Task Three:

Documentation

A wayfinding system is so much more than a well-designed sign. In our documentation phase, we work on programming the location and messaging for each proposed sign that will help your visitors navigate from start to finish. We also develop bid documents, refine the cost estimate, design a Staff Education piece, and develop a phasing plan.

The final deliverables for this task are: the Sign Location Plans and Sign Message Schedules; bid documents; a revised cost estimate; a phasing plan; and a Staff Education Piece (if needed). 

Sign Location Plan

Using site and floor plans we plot the ideal location for signage from a wayfinding perspective. For new construction projects, we’ll collaborate with the architects, engineers, and interior designers to ensure compliance with ADA regulations as we document the locations for the identification and wayfinding signage. For exterior signs, we set up cones of visibility to ensure that the signs are easily read from a distance.

During this phase, we will perform a site visit to verify the proposed locations and confirm measurements of the space. The sign location plan is the start of our documentation package and works in conjunction with other documents to denote sign locations for the entire wayfinding system. 

Sign Message Schedule 

The Sign Message Schedule works with the Sign Location Plan document to determine the messaging and content for each sign. It also notes whether any graphics are included on the sign, such as directional arrows, icons, or symbols. We’ll take the approved logic and destination list, and apply it to each sign in the program.

We ensure that visitors will have the necessary information to find their destination and the supporting signs along the way to lead them there. Together, the design intent drawings, sign location plan, and sign message schedule comprise of a bid-ready package for fabricators to use as they bid the project and then make the system a reality. 

Staff Education

For a wayfinding system to be successful, it is important to have buy-in and support from the staff and stewards of the system. We’ll develop a brief document that summarizes the logic behind the new wayfinding system, displays the new sign design aesthetic, highlights any new or changed terminology, and defines how the system best works together. This will help explain the changes that staff will see as the system is implemented.

Since a new wayfinding system is as much cultural as it is physical, this piece helps to ensure the wayfinding system’s long-term success. This piece also helps ensure necessary communication changes are made to web content, pre-visit communications, and other touchpoints in the visitor journey. 

Sign Message Schedule & Sign Location Plan Examples