Interior Building Signage Design: Why Does it Matter and Other FAQs

When you own a business, your primary goal is to entice new customers and keep existing customers coming back. If you operate a physical storefront, that can feel like a monumental task. Interior building signage can be exactly what you need to bring that wow factor back into your commercial space to help drum up more business!

Whether you own a small business or manage a large corporate building in Lancaster, York, or Harrisburg, PA, interior building signage is integral to your branding strategy. At The H&H Group, we often receive questions about this essential tool. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and our expert answers.

1. What Is Interior Building Signage?

Interior building signage refers to custom signs made from materials like acrylic, metal, glass, wood, and hard plastic used in indoor environments such as retail stores, offices, or other indoor spaces. These signs serve various purposes, including branding, wayfinding, informational, safety, and compliance with accessibility guidelines. The designs of these signs can range from simple square, or contour cut signs with a business logo or nameplate to complex, full-color graphics that cover entire walls. They are often designed to complement the architectural signage program of a building, enhancing its overall visual appeal while providing essential information.

In some cases, proper installation accessories are needed to hang these signs. Some may require drill holes for secure placement. They should be placed where they are easily visible to customers and away from direct sunlight to maintain their vibrant colors and prevent damage. Interior building signage is integral to a business’s branding and functionality, acting as a silent salesperson, guiding customers, and enhancing your customer’s experience.

2. Why Is Interior Building Signage Important for Businesses to Consider in Their Branding Strategy?

Interior building signage goes beyond guiding people around your premises — it’s a chance to make a strong impression and reinforce your brand’s identity. Consistent signage throughout your building can enhance your brand recognition, boost your professional image, and create a cohesive atmosphere that aligns with your brand values. Interior signage is also crucial for wayfinding, branding, safety, and compliance with accessibility standards.

3. What Are Some Creative Ways to Use Signage Design Inside Buildings for Maximum Impact?

Signage design inside buildings greatly influences a visitor’s experience, and incorporating creative elements can make this impact memorable. One way to inject creativity is by using unconventional shapes for your signs, which can be anything from circular signs to abstract shapes that reflect your brand or message. Additionally, you can integrate your brand’s story into the signage design through the use of colors, fonts, images, or materials that align with your brand’s history or values. For instance, a company with a strong commitment to sustainability might choose to use recycled materials for their signs.

Another creative approach is the incorporation of 3D elements in your signage design. 3D signs, whether through raised lettering or fully three-dimensional designs, can stand out more, making them more noticeable and engaging. Furthermore, interactive elements like digital signs displaying changing messages or touchscreen signs can significantly enhance visitor engagement. These provide a unique experience and allow for flexibility in content display. In essence, by utilizing these creative strategies, you can transform functional interior building signage into a powerful tool for branding and engagement.

4. What Types of Materials Are Generally Used for Interior Building Signage Design?

The choice of material can significantly influence the aesthetics and durability of your signage. Common materials include acrylic, aluminum, wood, PVC, and vinyl. Each has its unique characteristics: for instance, acrylic gives a sleek, modern look, while wood provides a rustic, warm feel.

5. How Can I Create a Cohesive Look Between Different Signs Within a Building?

Achieving a cohesive look involves maintaining consistency in signage elements, such as colors, fonts, imagery, and materials. This uniformity helps to reinforce your brand identity and provides a seamless experience for visitors.

6. Are There Any Special Considerations That Need to Be Made When Selecting Fonts and Colors for Interior Building Signage?

Yes, font and color choices ensure your sign’s readability and alignment with your brand. Choose fonts that are easy to read from a distance and colors that reflect your brand palette for acrylic interior signage or any other type of signage. Also, consider the principles of color contrast to ensure the text stands out against the background.

7. What are ADA Compliant Signs?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain signs in public buildings to be designed in a way that people with disabilities can easily read them. These signs must meet specific requirements for size, contrast, non-glare finish, tactile lettering, and Braille.

8. How Often Should I Update My Interior Building Signage?

Deciding how often to update interior building signage largely depends on various factors. One of the primary considerations is the wear and tear that the signage experiences. High-traffic areas, for instance, may result in signs becoming worn out or damaged quickly, necessitating more frequent updates. Additionally, the quality of the materials used in the signage will also play a role in its longevity. Durable materials like metal or hard plastic can withstand more wear and tear, thus requiring less frequent updates compared to less resilient materials.

Another vital factor to consider is any changes in your branding or the layout of your building. If you’ve undergone a rebranding, updating your signage to reflect these changes and maintaining consistency across all branding elements is crucial. Acrylic interior signage might now be better suited to your space than signage previously painted on, for example.

Similarly, if the layout of your building has changed due to renovations or remodeling, updating the signage will be necessary to ensure accurate wayfinding and information display. Furthermore, keeping abreast with updates in Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations or other codes is paramount. Compliance with these rules often requires signage updates to meet current standards. Therefore, the frequency of updating interior building signage is not fixed but rather dictated by a range of factors.

For All Your Interior Building Signage Needs, Contact The H&H Group!

These questions and answers provide valuable insights into your interior building signage strategy, and hopefully you have a better idea of what you want to do for your own strategy now! However, if you have further questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at The H&H Group! We would be happy to help you meet all your signage needs. Contact us today to get started.