Welcome
Society for Technical
Communication Rocky
Mountain Chapter
March 22, 2014
Denver International Airport
Airport Signage
Another type of technical
communication
Airport Wayfinding Signs
move people
to predetermined
destinations.
Communication on a highway must consider
distance it will be viewed and the mph of
travel expected.
Fabricating the sign to hold the message
We have to mock up the sign to be
sure it will be seen.
Same sign, different internal lighting
program
Installed
with a crane
You have arrived …
Separating traffic for various destinations.
User Groups need to be
identified as they
have specific routes
to find.
User Groups need to be
identified as they
have specific routes
to find.
Let’s identify
Primary User Groups • Passengers
• Airline personnel
• Transportation
Companies
• Security
• Law Enforcement
• Emergency Responders
• Employees
• Tenants & Services
What do they need to
know?
• Where do I go?
• Where do I go?
• Where can I rent a car?
• What are the rules?
• Who can help me?
• How do I find a location?
• Where do I work?
• How do I get deliveries?
Are there categories of signs within
each user group?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Directional (also called “wayfinding”)
Identification
Regulatory
Informational
Services
Advertising
Should different user groups
have different looking signs?
(That would be a very good idea!)
What would be some good
signage
rules to follow?
Make each user groups signs
easy to follow throughout the
facility.
Display user group signs in
consistent or predictable
locations.
Consider the design of the sign
as part of the
communication.
What’s the primary message?
Nice Exit Sign
Bad Exit sign!
Need visual separation for different users.
Size appropriately
Let’s add some speakers!
They removed the stainless steel letters to install the speaker.
Now what?
Shop Fabrication
We now have our information back!
Finished install without speaker obstruction.
Clipped to the wall.
Temporary messages need to be installed so they do not
damage the permanent sign.
When Ads Rule the World.
To reduce maintenance costs,
only sign for “true” information that will not likely change.
East 1.JPG.lnk
Uncovered conditions are bright during the day while covered
conditions are dark. The reverse can happen at night.
Minimize little repetitive signs with
larger more visible signs.
This can reduce visual clutter and improve visibility.
The location of the sign is as important as the message.
Why are these signs easy to read?
Sign policy should include installation guidelines.
Over signing!
Here’s where you want to reassure people they are going the right way!
More lighting would also improve comfort in the confined space.
Contrast, size and lighting = successful signage.
Who needs a sign?
Signage cannot remedy a poor location.
There is no substitute for field testing or….
…the real thing!
Current installation of new sign. It will change colors at night!