For people to navigate unfamiliar public spaces, they need a lot of information which is normally taken in visually. For those with visual impairments it is important this information is formatted and standardized the same way everywhere they go. This is particularly true in public spaces like hospitals, offices, schools, government buildings, and hotels where there is often a multitude of maze-like hallways and rooms. Signs marking elevators, hallways, restrooms and such must be placed at certain heights, use easy to read fonts, have high contrast colors, and Braille translations. Braille is a way of representing letters and numbers with raised dots, ensuring even those with complete blindness can find their way around.

Tactile signs use raised symbols, letters, and Braille translations visually impaired people can use to navigate public spaces like offices, hospitals, and so on. Signs marking important locations such as restrooms, exits, and elevators must be mounted at specific heights to be ADA compliant. Tactile signs must also use non-glare finishes, high-contrast colors, and easy to read fonts. Raised letters and symbols create depth and shadow which ensure users can see, find, or feel the information easily. Tactile signs enable those with visual impairments to navigate public spaces. This creates inclusivity and safer public environments.

Wayfinding signs, as the name implies, help people find their way through otherwise confusing public spaces like airports, hospitals, shopping malls, college campuses, and so on. These signs use a common language, recognized symbols, high-contrast colors, and easy to read text everyone can be expected to understand. Their placement, height, direction, and such must help make the meaning of the sign clear. For example, placing a room number sign between two doors is more confusing than placing it on the door it applies to. The effective use of wayfinding signs helps control the flow of traffic in crowded environments where the public’s ability to quickly find their way around creates a more welcoming and safer environment.

These signs contain facility information, rules, and safety information visitors use to navigate facilities and which provides details about services, procedures, and so on. Informational signs are common in airports, hospitals, and public spaces. They are designed for readability with clear, easy to read, text with high-contrast colors and easy to read fonts. They enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience by providing the right information in the right place and at the right time.