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Wednesday December 7, 2022 (1:00pm-2:00pm Central)

Mark Aaron Polger� Coordinator of Library Outreach �College of Staten Island, CUNY�MarkAaron.Polger87@login.cuny.edu

https://markaaronpolger.com

Designing Effective Library Signage : �Best Practices, Tips, and Tricks

a Webinar presented to the ACRL Access Services Interest Group

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  • What is a Sign?
  • What exactly is Wayfinding?
  • Signage = Marketing Communications
  • Where I work
  • Types of Signage
  • What are Signage Audits?
  • Three Phases of a Signage Audit
  • Conducting Signage Research
  • Best Practices for Print Signage
  • Criteria for Designing Digital Signage
  • Best Practices for Digital Signage
  • Mounting Tips
  • Getting Buy-In
  • Final Recommendations

Agenda

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What is a Sign?

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Anything that can be interpreted, or decoded by individuals. Signs produce meaning by using codes, colors, pictures, or words

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What is Wayfinding?

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Wayfinding elements include:

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  • landmarks (physical structures)
  • directional signage
  • architectural features
  • maps and directories

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They are spatial literacy tools that help individuals navigate through physical or virtual spaces. It involves knowing how to enter, navigate, and exit buildings, airports, hospitals, train/bus stations, and even highways (built environments).

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Signage = Marketing Communications

�Signage is an example of visual marketing, and an �example of marketing communications:

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  • promotes Library events, programs, and courses

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  • outlines Library policies

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  • provides directions to Library materials and facilities

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  • identifies services and spaces within the facility

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Types of Signs

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Promotional/�Instructional

Wayfinding (directional)

Policy

Identification

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What are Signage Audits?

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Signage audits allow you to quantify and better understand your current signage, as well as to help identify issues that may be leading to less effective signage, such as:

  • Unclear/mixed messages
  • Outdated messages
  • Too many signs
  • Poorly placed signs
  • Punitive or passive aggressive
  • Inconsistent design
  • Text heavy

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Phase 1 - Inventory

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  • Count the number of signs in your�library

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  • Document the types of signs; classify and �organize into groups

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  • Identify the problems in your signs �(physical damage, messaging, placement, �design, currency, accuracy)

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Phase 2 - Analysis and Assessment

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  • Conduct Signage Research* to study effectiveness�and purpose of sign

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  • Are these signs responding to user concerns?

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  • Do they help raise awareness, help enforce policies

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Phase 3- Replacement

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  • Remove and replace signs with updated designs, messaging, and placement

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  • Document your changes

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  • Keep track of the number of signs replaced and their locations

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*Conducting Signage Research

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Includes research methods often associated with UX (user experience) design;

    • ethnographic research
    • UX mapping
    • cognitive mapping
    • usability testing
    • A/B testing
    • interviewing / focus groups
    • survey research
    • case studies
    • audits
    • task completion
    • eye tracking

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Cell Phone Policy Signs

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Textbook Promotional Signs

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Noise Policy Signs

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Best Practices for Print Signage

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  1. Consistency (visual/textual)
  2. Use Sans Serif typeface
  3. High Contrast
  4. Branding
  5. Language/Controlled vocabulary
  6. Your message (is it punitive?)
  7. Use real images
  8. Mounting/ Placement
  9. ADA compliance
  10. Signs are living documents (revisit and make many iterations)

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Criteria when Designing Digital Signage

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  1. Software (standalone vs. networked player)
  2. Hardware �(TV display vs. commercial display)
  3. Passive versus interactive signage
  4. Design
  5. Strategy planning �(placement, message, policy)

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Digital Signage Placement

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Point of Transfer

Point of Sale

Point of Wait

  • placed where library users need to wait (circulation desk, reference desk, elevator, IT help desk,
  • placed in high traffic areas
  • placed at the end of a aisle (endcap display)

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Best Practices for Digital Signage

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  • 3 by 5 rule (3 lines of text, 5 words)
  • Sans Serif font
  • High contrast
  • Justify to the left
  • ADA compliance (display cannot be more than 4” deep)
  • Digital screen interactive buttons (36-42 inches from the ground)
  • No more than 2 font types
  • “F” or “Z” pattern
  • Placement (eye –level)

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Best Practices for Digital Signage

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  • Timing of the sign message
  • 60-30-10 colour rule �(60% dominant, 30% secondary, 10% accent)
  • Visual hierarchy (3 parts) �(title, body text, & call to action)
  • Add real images
  • Pixilation 16:9 ratio- 1280 by 720, 1920 by 1080
  • Distance (100-point font = 26 feet away)

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Avoid ALL CAPS �

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Avoid Clutter

clutter= a negative user experience

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Avoid Cartoon-Style Clipart

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Avoid Handwritten signs

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Handwritten signs are:

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  • Ugly

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  • Unprofessional

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  • Unwelcoming

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  • Often illegible and are not considered official

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Avoid Mounting on Walls, Doors, Furniture

(use frames, bulletin boards or easels)

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Be Welcoming, Not Mean*

* read signs out loud

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Threatening message?

Construction zone?

All caps = yelling

Red stop sign?

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Avoid Text-Heavy Signs�

Before Revised Current ��

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Strive for Diversity

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Be Friendly�(avoid “no”)

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Discover Touch Points

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Create a Signage Locator Map

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Mounting Tips

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  • Avoid glare
  • 48”-60” inches off the ground (ADA compliance)
  • Mount on latch side of the door
  • Avoid Visible Tape (use double sided tape)
  • Mount signs in a straight and centered manner
  • Mount at eye level
  • Be mindful of sightlines
  • Make use of holders, frames and bulletin boards
  • Avoid mounting on furniture

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Getting Buy-In

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  • Be patient and listen
  • Compromise
  • Hold in-person/Zoom meetings
  • Designate a signage contact/team
  • Create a succinct signage policy with flexible signage guidelines
  • Show proposed changes with supporting data
  • Develop allies like student government

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Final Recommendations

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  • Be friendly and consistent
  • Avoid jargon, all caps and “no”
  • Develop a clear message with few words
  • Incorporate realistic images
  • Placement should be strategic and intentional
  • Create a signage policy
  • Create signage templates
  • Get buy-in from your department
  • Be mindful about ADA compliance
  • Revisit your signs and bump points regularly
  • Signs are living documents--be flexible and embrace change

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My most recent book!!

Library Signage and Wayfinding Design: Communicating Effectively with your Users �(ALA Editions, Nov. 2021)

https://alastore.ala.org/wayfinding

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Thank you!

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Mark Aaron Polger�Associate Professor�Coordinator of Library Outreach�MarkAaron.Polger@csi.cuny.edu

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https://markaaronpolger.com