Indoor signage is not just about slapping a sign on the wall—it’s about clear communication.
Indoor signs guide people, direct them, and even set the tone for your business. But, mistakes are often made that confuse, frustrate, or fail to deliver the message.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 15 common indoor signage mistakes you should avoid to ensure your signs communicate effectively.
Getting signage right is essential in a business or improving your home space.
1. Overcrowding Your Signage
One of the most common mistakes when designing indoor signage is trying to fit too much information into one space. When people see a cluttered sign, they are more likely to skip it or feel overwhelmed. Too many words or ideas on a single sign can confuse the viewer and defeat the purpose of the signage.
Solution: Keep it simple! Each sign should convey one main idea. For example, if you need to direct people to the restroom, focus on that message. If necessary, use secondary signs, like arrows or short labels, for additional instructions.
Tip: Use bullet points or numbered lists for clear, digestible information.
2. Using Small, Hard-to-Read Fonts
When it comes to fonts, readability is critical. If the text on your signs is too small, fancy, or complicated to read, it can quickly lead to frustration. The purpose of signage is to be understood soon, and if people have to squint or struggle to read the information, they may not get the message at all.
Solution: Choose a font that is easy to read, even from a distance. Avoid decorative or script fonts that may look appealing but are challenging to decipher. Fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or Roboto are clean, legible, and modern.
Tip: Stick to at least a 30-point font for larger signs, depending on the viewing distance.
3. Ignoring Contrast
Another common mistake is not paying attention to the contrast between the text and the background. If your text is too similar in color to the background, the sign becomes difficult to read, especially in low-light conditions. A lack of contrast makes it harder for the viewer to identify and understand the sign at a glance.
Solution: Opt for high-contrast color schemes, such as white text on a dark background or black text on a white background. This ensures that the text stands out and is easily readable.
Tip: Consider using bold text for key messages to enhance visibility.
4. Using Unclear Symbols or Icons
While symbols and icons can effectively convey messages without words, using unclear or unfamiliar symbols can confuse people. For instance, an icon that looks like an abstract image may take time to communicate your intended message.
Solution: Stick to widely recognized symbols. Use standard icons, such as a toilet for restrooms or a shopping cart for stores, that your audience will quickly identify.
Tip: Test your signage with unwanted people to familiarize yourself with your space and ensure the symbols make sense.
5. Failing to Use Universal Accessibility Standards
Indoor signage should be inclusive of everyone, including people with disabilities. Failing to consider universal accessibility features such as braille, large fonts, or tactile elements can make your signage exclusionary.
Solution: Include braille on signs that direct people to critical areas such as restrooms and elevators. Use larger text and high-contrast colors to ensure your signage is visible to individuals with visual impairments.
Tip: Always follow the accessibility guidelines set by local and national authorities to ensure your signs are legally compliant.
6. Inconsistent Style and Branding
Having inconsistent styles across your signage can confuse visitors and reduce the impact of your communication efforts. Whether it’s using different fonts, colors, or sizes on various signs, inconsistency can create a chaotic environment.
Solution: Use a unified design style across all signs. Stick to a consistent font, color palette, and logo placement to create a cohesive look throughout the space. This reinforces brand identity and makes navigation smoother for visitors.
Tip: Create a signage style guide to ensure consistency across all locations.
7. Not Using Clear Directions
Another major mistake is failing to include clear directions. A sign might say “Restrooms,” but without specifying where they are located—upstairs, downstairs, or in a specific hallway—people might get lost or frustrated. Without clear directions, your signage becomes less effective and less helpful.
Solution: Make sure directional signage includes arrows or brief descriptors to guide people. For example, instead of just “Restrooms,” say “Restrooms – Downstairs” or “Restrooms – Left, Past the Elevator.”
Tip: Use directional arrows matching your space’s layout to provide a clear path to the destination.
8. Overuse of Jargon
While technical language or industry-specific jargon might be relevant in some settings, it can alienate and confuse a general audience. Not everyone will understand complicated terminology or abbreviations.
Solution: Keep language simple and clear. Use everyday terms that all visitors can understand, even if they need to become more familiar with your industry or facility.
Tip: Use phrases like “Employees Only” instead of “Restricted Access Area.”
9. Not Considering the Flow of Traffic
Signage is most effective when placed in high-traffic areas where it can be easily seen and read. If your signs are hidden in corners or obscure locations, people may miss them entirely, resulting in confusion or disorientation.
Solution: Plan signage placement carefully. Position signs at key decision points, like hallways, doorways, or intersections, where people are most likely to need direction.
Tip: Ensure that signs are placed at eye level for maximum visibility.
10. Overloading with Words
Some signs end up being mini-essays. People usually won’t stop reading long paragraphs on signs—especially in a hurry. Too many words can make a sign look like a wall of text, which people often avoid.
Solution:
- Use concise, to-the-point language.
- If you need to provide additional information, consider using a digital sign or a brochure.
- Keep the sign focused on the most critical details.
Tip: Break the text into smaller chunks or bullet points to improve readability.
11. Ignoring the Audience’s Needs
Not all audiences are the same, so your signage should reflect the needs of the people using it. For instance, signs in a medical facility might need clarity and calmness, while signs in a retail store focus more on product locations.
Solution: Tailor your signage to your audience’s specific needs. Consider their familiarity with the space and what information they are most likely to need.
Tip: In a hospital, focus on medical departments and critical information. In a shopping mall, prioritize store directories and product categories.
Check out our guide: 10 Creative Indoor Signage Ideas
12. Placement of Signs Too High or Low
Signage that’s too high or too low can be difficult to see and read, and it may also lead to people overlooking the signs altogether.
Solution: Place signs at eye level. This ensures they’re visible to people of various heights and accessible to individuals with different abilities.
Tip: When placing directional signs, ensure they are within easy line of sight for most people.
13. Lack of Visibility in Low Light
If the lighting isn’t optimized, signs can become hard to read or completely invisible in areas with dim lighting or at night. Faded or poorly lit signs can be frustrating for visitors.
Solution: Use illuminated or backlit signs or place them in well-lit areas. Consider installing motion-sensor lighting for signs in low-traffic areas to ensure visibility.
Tip: Use reflective materials for better visibility in low-light conditions.
14. Neglecting to Update Old Signs
As time passes, your signs may fade, become outdated, or no longer reflect changes to your business. Only updating them regularly can give off an unprofessional impression and lead to clarity.
Solution: Perform regular checks and maintenance on your signs. If your business changes, such as remodeling or service offerings, update your signage to reflect those changes.
Tip: Replace faded or damaged signs immediately to maintain a fresh and professional appearance.
15. Not Testing Your Signage
It’s easy to assume your signage is perfect, but the only way to know is to test it. If you’ve designed signage based on assumptions, it might not work as effectively as you think.
Solution: Conduct a walkthrough of your space with someone new to it. Ask them to navigate the area using only your signage to see if it’s easy to follow.
Tip: Gather feedback from people after they’ve used the signage to identify any areas that may need improvement.
FAQs
Use simple language and clear icons. Keep the text short and focused on the critical message.
Incorporate braille, large fonts, and high-contrast colors. Ensure signs are visible and accessible for people of all abilities to read.
Regularly inspect and update your signage. Consider using digital signs that are easier to update.
A combination of both is often best. Use graphics for universal messages and text for specific details.
Test your signs by asking unfazed people to become more familiar with your space and navigate using only the signage.
Conclusion
Indoor signage plays a critical role in guiding, informing, and enhancing the overall experience of your space. You’ll create signage that communicates clearly and effectively by avoiding these common mistakes—such as poor typography, lack of contrast, and neglecting ADA compliance. Make your signs work for you by improving wayfinding, readability, and accessibility, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.
