blogs and articles


blogs and articles

Signage design

Monday, July 16, 2012


Our methodology of “function over design” is extremely important here. Signage is designed to function by capturing your attention at a fleeting glance, to give directions, or to sell a message quickly.

We also live by another —science of design— methodology, it is called “the sequence of cognition: 1. Shape 2. Colour 3. Detail”. This is the order people see and the way the brain cognitively processes things.

With signage, an identifiable shape is the most important factor closely followed by colour. Detail is to be kept minimal and kept simple otherwise the function is compromised.

For example…
Driving on a freeway, in the distance you see a billboard with a curved “M” sitting next to a hamburger. You immediately identify it as McDonalds before anything else. The closer you get, the colours become more apparent and see that is it a Big Mac and not a Filet-o-Fish, just by the colour and shape. The get closer you get, the better you can read the detail on the sign, telling you where you can eat this magnificent meal.

Viewing distance is also a very important factor with signage. Let's say, if a sign is catering for a walker passing by, a little more detail is afforded as viewing distance is within a few metres or so.

When it comes to the production, we have partnered with specialists and are long time preferred suppliers. Together we decide on how design affects, the stock, attachment, location and installation methods needed.