Signage is the set of signals for information about something.[1] Joan Costa defines it as «the part of the science of visual communication that studies the functional relationships between signs of orientation in space and behaviors of individuals»[2].
Signage corresponds to a visual communication system synthesized in a set of signs or symbols that fulfill the function of guiding, directing or organizing a person or group of people at those points in space that pose behavioral dilemmas, such as within a large surface (shopping centers, factories, industrial estates, technology parks, airports, etc.).
The design of the signage begins with the study of floor plans of the large surface (of paths, routes or planned circulations); It goes through the presentation of the new and optimal organization of these circulations and ends in the design of synthetic and easy-to-understand graphic symbols to guide people or vehicles through these large surfaces. The symbols designed will vary depending on whether they are for internal or external signage, whether it is to guide passers-by or to guide vehicles. In companies, these symbols normally follow the guidelines of the corporate visual identity (colors, style, geometries, typography, etc. of the company) or may contain the visual distinctive (logo or brand) of the company within each sign or label.
Signage versus signage
Signage and signage are not equivalent concepts.
Signage is aimed at regulating human and motorized traffic in predominantly outdoor spaces. The code used has been previously approved and standardized, and is indifferent to the characteristics of the environment (for example, the highway code). The basis for signaling is empirical. So in the signage[3].
Signage, on the other hand, seeks to identify, regulate, and facilitate access to required services and, unlike signage, it deals with specific programs for particular problems.
Differentiating Signage from Signage: Approaches and Applications.
Signage and signage are two terms frequently used in the field of urban design and planning, which, despite their apparent similarity, refer to different concepts with specific objectives and applications. Below, we explore the key differences between these two crucial elements for navigation and space organization.
Specific Signage
Introduction
Signage is the set of signals for information about something.[1] Joan Costa defines it as «the part of the science of visual communication that studies the functional relationships between signs of orientation in space and behaviors of individuals»[2].
Signage corresponds to a visual communication system synthesized in a set of signs or symbols that fulfill the function of guiding, directing or organizing a person or group of people at those points in space that pose behavioral dilemmas, such as within a large surface (shopping centers, factories, industrial estates, technology parks, airports, etc.).
The design of the signage begins with the study of floor plans of the large surface (of paths, routes or planned circulations); It goes through the presentation of the new and optimal organization of these circulations and ends in the design of synthetic and easy-to-understand graphic symbols to guide people or vehicles through these large surfaces. The symbols designed will vary depending on whether they are for internal or external signage, whether it is to guide passers-by or to guide vehicles. In companies, these symbols normally follow the guidelines of the corporate visual identity (colors, style, geometries, typography, etc. of the company) or may contain the visual distinctive (logo or brand) of the company within each sign or label.
Signage versus signage
Signage and signage are not equivalent concepts.
Signage is aimed at regulating human and motorized traffic in predominantly outdoor spaces. The code used has been previously approved and standardized, and is indifferent to the characteristics of the environment (for example, the highway code). The basis for signaling is empirical. So in the signage[3].
Signage, on the other hand, seeks to identify, regulate, and facilitate access to required services and, unlike signage, it deals with specific programs for particular problems.
Differentiating Signage from Signage: Approaches and Applications.
Signage: Standardization and Regulation of Traffic.
Signage refers to the set of signs and symbols designed to regulate human and vehicular traffic, mainly in outdoor environments. These signals are based on standardized and normalized codes that are universally recognized, regardless of the particularities of the environment in which they are applied. For example, the traffic signs that regulate vehicular circulation obey an approved traffic code that remains constant in different contexts and regions.
The foundation of signaling lies in its empirical nature; That is, its design and application are based on observation and accumulated experience on how people and vehicles move and react to different visual stimuli. This approach seeks to ensure a clear and unified understanding of traffic rules, thus contributing to safety and efficiency in mobility.
Signage: Identification and Access to Services in Specific Environments.
On the other hand, signage focuses on the identification, regulation and facilitation of access to specific services within various environments. Unlike signage, signage addresses particular needs related to orientation and information in both indoor and outdoor spaces. This involves developing customized signage programs that respond to the unique characteristics of each location and the needs of its users.
Signage plays a crucial role in places such as hospitals, shopping centers, airports and university campuses, where facilitating orientation and quick access to different services and areas is essential. Its design considers factors such as legibility, visibility and stylistic coherence, ensuring that signs not only inform but also contribute to the overall experience of the space.
• - Semiology.
• - Traffic signs.
• - Modern signage in the Canal Theaters.
References
[1] ↑ Real Academia Española. «señalético, señalética». «Diccionario de la lengua española» - Edición del Tricentenario. Consultado el 15 de mayo de 2022.: https://dle.rae.es/señalético
[2] ↑ Joan Costa, Señalética: de la señalización al diseño de programas, Barcelona, CEAC, 1989. ISBN 9788432956126.
[3] ↑ «los problemas son conocidos previamente gracias a la observación empírica, también lo son las señales y sus códigos» Joan Costa, Señalética: de la señalización al diseño de programas, Barcelona, CEAC, 1989. ISBN 9788432956126.
Signage and signage are two terms frequently used in the field of urban design and planning, which, despite their apparent similarity, refer to different concepts with specific objectives and applications. Below, we explore the key differences between these two crucial elements for navigation and space organization.
Signage: Standardization and Regulation of Traffic.
Signage refers to the set of signs and symbols designed to regulate human and vehicular traffic, mainly in outdoor environments. These signals are based on standardized and normalized codes that are universally recognized, regardless of the particularities of the environment in which they are applied. For example, the traffic signs that regulate vehicular circulation obey an approved traffic code that remains constant in different contexts and regions.
The foundation of signaling lies in its empirical nature; That is, its design and application are based on observation and accumulated experience on how people and vehicles move and react to different visual stimuli. This approach seeks to ensure a clear and unified understanding of traffic rules, thus contributing to safety and efficiency in mobility.
Signage: Identification and Access to Services in Specific Environments.
On the other hand, signage focuses on the identification, regulation and facilitation of access to specific services within various environments. Unlike signage, signage addresses particular needs related to orientation and information in both indoor and outdoor spaces. This involves developing customized signage programs that respond to the unique characteristics of each location and the needs of its users.
Signage plays a crucial role in places such as hospitals, shopping centers, airports and university campuses, where facilitating orientation and quick access to different services and areas is essential. Its design considers factors such as legibility, visibility and stylistic coherence, ensuring that signs not only inform but also contribute to the overall experience of the space.
• - Semiology.
• - Traffic signs.
• - Modern signage in the Canal Theaters.
References
[1] ↑ Real Academia Española. «señalético, señalética». «Diccionario de la lengua española» - Edición del Tricentenario. Consultado el 15 de mayo de 2022.: https://dle.rae.es/señalético
[2] ↑ Joan Costa, Señalética: de la señalización al diseño de programas, Barcelona, CEAC, 1989. ISBN 9788432956126.
[3] ↑ «los problemas son conocidos previamente gracias a la observación empírica, también lo son las señales y sus códigos» Joan Costa, Señalética: de la señalización al diseño de programas, Barcelona, CEAC, 1989. ISBN 9788432956126.