5.3. Signage Design

Text height: Minimum 16 mm for reading at 1.2 m distance.

This guideline specifies the minimum height of the text used in signage. For effective reading by individuals, the text must be at least 16 mm tall if it is intended to be readable from a distance of 1.2 meters. This means that when someone stands that distance away from the sign, they should be able to see the letters clearly to understand the information presented.

Imagine trying to read a book from across the room; if the text is too small, you won't be able to make out the words. Similarly, signage must have sufficiently large letters to ensure that everyone, including those with visual impairments, can read them from an appropriate distance.

Font style: Sans-serif (e.g., Arial, Helvetica).

The guideline recommends the use of sans-serif fonts for signage. Sans-serif fonts, like Arial or Helvetica, do not have the small lines or ornamentation ('serifs') at the ends of letters, making them cleaner and easier to read from a distance. This is particularly helpful for individuals with visual impairments who may struggle to decipher more ornate fonts.

Think of reading a modern book versus an ornate calligraphy piece; the modern design is straightforward and allows for quicker reading. In the same way, using a sans-serif font helps everyone understand signs more quickly and easily.

Braille: Embossed dots placed below the text or on a dedicated panel.

This guideline emphasizes the inclusion of Braille on signage, either directly below the printed text or on a separate panel. Braille consists of raised dots that can be felt by individuals who are blind or have low vision, allowing them to access the same information that sighted individuals receive visually.

Consider how you might use a map with raised lines to feel the layout of a location. Similarly, Braille provides another way for individuals to 'read' the information presented on signs, ensuring they are included in the environment.

High-contrast color combinations (e.g., white on dark blue).

The signage design specifies that high-contrast color combinations should be used, such as white text on a dark blue background. This contrast makes the text stand out significantly, facilitating readability for people with visual impairments, including those with color blindness.

Think of how much easier it is to read black text on a white page compared to gray text on a white page. High contrast minimizes visual strain and confusion, making it easier for everyone to understand the signage.

Pictograms should follow ISO 7001 standards.

This portion of the guideline mandates that pictograms used in signage adhere to ISO 7001 standards, which provide internationally recognized symbols for various facilities and services. Using standardized pictograms helps ensure that individuals, regardless of the language they speak or their familiarity with local symbols, can easily understand the information being conveyed.

Imagine visiting a foreign country and trying to navigate using local signs. If you see a universally recognized symbol for a bathroom, you can understand its meaning even if you don't speak the language. Standardized pictograms in signage work the same way, making navigation easier and more intuitive.

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