Will your sign be indoors or outdoors? In the city or in the country? On a busy street corner, or on an empty wall? The type of sign you need to make will depend greatly on its location. Here we discuss some pointers to keep in mind.
① Urban vs. rural
An urban location will generally have more signs already, and less open space for them. This will restrict the size of the sign, which in turn will confine the message and/or languages that can be used.
(2 pictures of urban street vs. rural)
② Indoors vs. outdoors
A sign inside a building can usually contain more information than one outside, because people will be able to stop and pay more attention to it. Signs located where people are usually standing still can contain more information and more languages. A detailed sign would be better placed in a subway car rather than near a moving escalator, for example. The following give suggestions of good locations for different types of signage.
(a) Transportation facilities
1. Stations
Exterior signage should include directions and naming in larger letters.
Signage inside the transportation itself may be more detailed and in smaller print. Two exceptions are
NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS In buses, instructions on how to make the bus stop, how to pay and how much to pay, etc. should be in large, clear print.
WARNINGS Warnings to keep away from closing doors, etc. should be in large clear print.
2. Stops
Small areas such as bus or streetcar stops will not have much signage space, so larger letters should be limited to labeling only.
However, as people requiring information will be standing and waiting, relatively large amounts of information can be placed on sign posts at, slightly above or slightly below eye level.
(b) Shops
Outdoor signs, including those in shop windows, can include naming and advertising. They should be attractive but not necessarily detailed. 50% off sale, Welcome, Come in and look around, etc.
Once inside the shop, your customers can spend time looking at more detailed information. Wall space can be used effectively for smaller print signs with relatively large amounts of information.
(c) Accommodations: hotels and inns
Outdoor signs, including those in windows, can include naming and advertising. They should be attractive but not necessarily detailed.
Inside, your customers can spend time looking at more detailed information. Wall space can be used effectively for smaller print signs with relatively large amounts of information. Much information can also be displayed at or near the reception desk. Directional signage should be clear and large enough to read from a distance.
(d) Restaurants
Outdoor signs, including those in windows, can include naming and advertising. A menu including pictures, names in several languages and prices is especially useful if food models are not available. This is usually more effective than a simple sign saying "we have a menu in English" for example. Possibilities for specialty eaters with dietary or religious restrictions should also be advertised outside.
Indoor signage may advertise