Signs are a form of communication in our society and civilization, they warn us, alert us and help keep us safe. They help navigate and simplify our lives, well, if done right. Otherwise, they can cause problems, sending us down the wrong path, making us stare at them too long, causing challenges when driving, biking, or maneuvering into our desired lane or destination, it matters, just think about it.
Think parking structures, elevator signs, restrooms, food, or office directories. What about corporate logo signage, right-of-way arrows, and the time it takes to read a sign and then act on that information while driving on the freeway?
There is a lot of planning and design going into signage, a lot more than you might think, and this was originally pointed out to me in our online Style Think Tank by one of our visiting members, who recommended this very good book to read – the name of the book is:
“Architectural and graphic firms”, by John Follis and Dave Hammer, published by Architectural Press Ltd., London, 1979, pp. 232, ISBN: 0-85139-060-9.
One of the authors, John Follis, created the signage for the Los Angeles Bicentennial and Disney World, and was a great pioneer of revolutionary changes in the industry. David Hammer had worked with Sears, Bank of America, and many other major corporations designing all of their building signs, and he was an amazing photographer.
What a great book, with information and consideration of the real human factors involved in signaling, language and timing to figure out while driving or moving. Project analysis and planning issues are also discussed and debated. There is also talk of manufacturing and materials, as well as longevity. There are examples from over 25 designers of modern signage systems. Using common symbols, the alphabet also works for hospitals (H), parking lots (P), or airports (A).
Now this is a great picture book and the authors have written research papers and studied countless others. Although it was written and produced over 30 years ago, it gives us all a reality and history check, it’s amazing how many examples are in this book, and the ideas are commonplace today, I mean the concepts The signs for the future in this book can be seen everywhere in Europe, China, Australia, South America, the US, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the Middle East and the African continent.
You’ll learn about typography, cultural issues that need to be considered in font design and use, and how associations and industries need to work together to standardize. How the EU, US and other neighboring nations need to work together to create coherence, including royalty payments for designers and the use of international symbols. Learn how to implement, design, and oversee a large project with signs that span many sectors, nations, and industries.