A directory board is a sign that displays information about a building or facility, including names, locations, and other relevant details. It is used to help visitors locate specific areas within a structure. Directory boards can be found in many places, including hospitals, universities, office buildings, airports, and shopping centers. To design an effective and visually appealing directory board, there are several key criteria to consider. Firstly, the layout should be clear and logical, with a hierarchy of information that is easy to follow. Information should be grouped by category, such as by floor or department, and displayed in a consistent format. The font size should be large enough to be legible from a reasonable distance, and the board should be well-lit to ensure that it is visible even in low-light conditions. Secondly, the directory board should be visually attractive, with a design that reflects the style and character of the building it is located in. This could include using the same materials and colors as the surrounding architecture or incorporating images or graphics that relate to the building's theme. Thirdly, the directory board should be user-friendly, with clear and concise labeling of each category and item. The language used should be easy to understand and avoid jargon or technical terms. Icons or symbols could be used to supplement text and help people quickly identify the area they are looking for. Fourthly, the directory board should be regularly updated and maintained to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. This may involve assigning a staff member to oversee the board's content and make updates as needed. Finally, the directory board should be located in a prominent and easily accessible location, such as near the main entrance or lobby of the building, and designed to be conspicuous and noticeable.
Directory board, layout, hierarchy, legibility, design, user-friendly, labeling, maintenance, location, accessibility
CITATION : "Michael Harris. 'Design Of Directory Boards.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=379214 (Accessed on May 20, 2025)"
A directory board, also known as a wayfinding sign, is a communication platform used to guide visitors in large public spaces. It is a vital tool for enabling visitors to find their way around and navigate large spaces, such as office buildings, airports, malls, and hospitals. Efficient directory board design should prioritize readability, clarity, and coherence to provide accurate and helpful information to visitors. To achieve an effective directory board design, it is crucial to consider certain criteria. Firstly, the board's size should be proportional to the space it is serving, ensuring that the text is legible and visible from a distance. Secondly, the layout should be straightforward and consistent, using fonts that are easily distinguishable and utilizing appropriate color contrasts. The language used should be concise and clear, featuring directional arrows and pictograms where necessary to enhance readability. The design should also consider the content of the board, which should feature all relevant information, such as the name, logo, and floor/location, of each business or institution listed. To enable visitors to navigate more efficiently, the layout should group businesses or institutions according to similar categories or proximity to one another. Finally, to ensure that the design remains relevant, it is recommended that the designers incorporate an option for updateability. This can be achieved by using removable tiles or through digital displays that can be easily updated and customized. In summary, an efficient directory board design should prioritize clear and concise communication, legibility, layout organization, appropriate use of color contrasts, and convenient updateability.
Wayfinding sign, Readability, Layout consistency, Relevant Information, Updateability
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