Top Healthcare Signage Types
Since 1965, ASI has been a leading provider of architectural signage to the healthcare industry. Upon entering a healthcare facility, signage is the first thing visitors seek out. ASI understands the healing aspects of patient surroundings and creates thoughtfully-designed signage packages and environmental graphics.
ASI creates efficient and effective wayfinding plans to guide visitors easily through any healthcare facility by analyzing the physical layout and traffic patterns. At ASI, we understand the science of signage – we will recommend optimal placement and design of exterior signs to ensure visibility, even when visitors are distracted due to driving in adverse weather conditions or stressful situations.
ASI has extensive experience in providing branding and wayfinding solutions to complex healing environments. The quality of our service and solutions is unmatched in the industry – with a consultative approach and flexibility to craft custom solutions or implement time-tested standard systems, ASI is poised to assist with a full-service signage program for healing environments of any size.
Exterior Branding Signage
Monument Sign
Monument signs are utilized mainly for branding and site identification near the main entrance to the facility. This signage option is durable and professional. In healthcare environments, monument signs are often paired with internal LED illumination, a reader board or lightbox to increase visibility.
Channel Letters
Channel letters are typically fabricated from metal with translucent acrylic if illuminated. Channel letters are customizable – limited only by building regulations or budget. There are various factors to consider for channel letters such as: type of illumination, mounting method and location of installation on the building.
Dimensional Letters
Dimensional letters are either cut from a sheet of material via a router, waterjet or laser, fabricated from thin metal that is joined and soldered, or cast into a mold. Dimensional letters can be made from metal or plastic and can be mounted directly to a wall or attached to a signage substrate, such as a monument sign or a backer panel.
Exterior Wayfinding Signage
Identification Signs
Identification signs come in many shapes and sizes. As the name indicates, this signage category identifies an area of the building. Particularly important in healthcare environments, exterior identification signs aid visitors, especially those in emergency situations, to quickly reach their desired destination.
Vehicular Directional
Vehicular directional signs come in many forms. The image above is of a monolith sign, a complete box structure where all internal components are wrapped. Monoliths are versatile structures that can include illumination for enhanced visibility. Post-and-panel, wall-mounted and pole signs are also used as vehicular directional signs.
Parking Signs
Parking signs are a type of regulatory signage and typically include a pictogram to draw attention to and clarify the message. Parking signs are typically made with durable and weatherproof aluminum and often are specified as a pole sign (as pictured above) or wall-mounted to the exterior of the facility.
Interior Branding Signage
Reception Signage
Reception signage is often the first impression that a visitor will have once entering a healthcare facility. As an important opportunity to highlight your brand, ASI’s reception signage is designed to impress. Reception signage is typically either dimensional letters or a wall-mounted panel sign just behind the reception desk.
Recognition Wall
Recognition walls consist of multiple signs or one large sign system that displays many names. Recognition signage can be fabricated using a variety of materials, from digitally printed vinyl to fully customized architectural displays with custom elements, and may contain digital or modular elements for future updates.
Environmental Graphics
Environmental graphics, such as using themed imagery or naming specific areas after geographical regions are common practices in healthcare design. Environmental graphics help orient people in unfamiliar spaces and enhance the architectural details and atmosphere of the healthcare facility.
Interior Wayfinding Signage
Campus Map
Campus maps are resources that enhance the wayfinding experience in spaces with many destinations. Details like color-coding and orienting a campus map so that, when installed, the map is displayed in the direction that the user is standing are essential to navigational ease in large healthcare campuses.
Directory
Directory signs are used within healthcare complexes or buildings to help visitors quickly identify their destination. Directory signs are a type of informational sign essential to a successful wayfinding signage plan. When implemented with intention, directories can enhance the environmental design of a space.
Directional Sign
Directional signs are an essential element of wayfinding – they are located at key decision points throughout the architectural environment to direct users. Directional signs often have arrows that point toward the destination. They are not required to have raised text and braille but call for sufficient letter height and LRV Contrast.
Room ID
Room identification signs are another crucial element of wayfinding, usually implemented in conjunction with directional signs Once a user reaches the destination, room identification signs define and identify space. Depending on the application, room identification signs may be required to have raised text and braille.
Digital
Digital signage is of particular benefit to dynamic and ever-changing healthcare environments. From providing interactive wayfinding tools in complex healthcare facilities to communicating patient information, digital signage is an ideal way to capture the attention of visitors, patients and staff.
Regulatory
Regulatory signage is mandated by code authorities. It can be located on the interior or exterior of a facility to regulate conduct and may be located outside of dangerous or restricted areas, alerting people to hazards within a space. This sign type typically includes a pictogram to draw attention to and clarify the message.
Wayfinding signage is a vital aspect of any healthcare facility. Since 1965, ASI has been creating comprehensive signage programs that provide a clear wayfinding plan with ADA-Ready™ solutions. Visits to healthcare facilities can often be stressful for visitors and patients seeking care. With ASI, you have the advantage of working with a team that specializes in thoughtfully designed healthcare signage that enhances the built environment.
ASI is renowned for the quality of our products and services. Our knowledgeable Sales Consultants are there every step of the way to evaluate requirements and provide service-driven solutions. Request a consultation today to leverage the expertise of your local ASI office today.
Sources:
Calori, C., & Vanden-Eynden, D. (2015). Signage and wayfinding design: A complete guide to creating environmental graphic design systems.
Reath, K. T., & Biesek, J. (2014). SEGD Glossary of Terms. SEGD.Org. https://media.segd.org/s3fs-public/EGDGlossary.pdf