By John Hammerschlag

Below are basic fundamentals when developing wayfinding systems for your next parking project to direct parkers and pedestrians safely and efficiently:

• Project budget to include 10 percent for unforeseen/changing circumstances upon project completion. The project manager should complete a final walk- and drive-through in and against the direction of traffic to ensure installed signage is clear and concise, communicates the desired message, and is positioned for maximum visibility.
• Avoid sign pollution. Time is limited. Customers should be able to find the information they need instantly. Limit the amount of signage while still communicating the message effectively.
• Ensure there aren’t conflicting pedestrian and vehicular arrows. Directional arrows are amplified when placed in a circle.
• Consider elevator symbols. The use of elevator symbols has evolved over the years to address diversity of those parking in our facilities.
• An ideal sign should include the following elements:
  • Contrast between background color and messaging.
  • Readable font that makes the message clear at a quick glance. Be consistent in font type, size and color. Remove excessive information.
  • Upper and lower case lettering is preferred to ALL UPPER CASE.

Click here for examples of each of the above.

John Hammerschlag is president of Hammerschlag & Co., Inc.