Getting lost in hospitals is easy. There are complex layouts, inadequate signage, and little real-time navigation assistance. Hospital wayfinding signs in Union County help patients and visitors navigate extensive facilities, often with multiple buildings, elevators, hallways, and virtually identical-looking corridors.
What are Hospital Wayfinding Signs?
Wayfinding systems for hospitals in and around North Jersey must be patient-centered and fully customized. In large, complex healthcare campuses, directional, identification, informational, and regulatory signage solutions cater to first-time visitors and new employees. Examples include wall-mounted blade signs, ceiling-suspended wayfinding panels, and directories near entrances.
Why Effective Wayfinding Matters in the Healthcare System
At the heart of the importance is the patient experience. Being able to locate departments and other venues independently reduces stress and anxiety. Hospital wayfinding signs also benefit the facility’s operational efficiency. Patients keep appointments on time and do not have to interrupt staff members to ask for directions.
When you add signage compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), your facility promotes accessibility and inclusivity. It helps people with disabilities, language barriers, or cognitive impairments navigate the hospital and locate their desired destinations. Additionally, effective wayfinding signage promotes safety because it aids in emergencies and evacuations.
The Five Elements of Suitable Hospital Wayfinding Design
- Clear and simple language. Use as few words as possible when putting together primary wayfinding signs.
- Consistent color coding and iconography. Select a color palette and stick with it. Doing so is a good option for displaying floor directories and basic wayfinding products.
- Legible fonts and high-contrast colors. Resist the urge to display ornate fonts. Instead, choose basic fonts using high-contrast colors.
- Universal symbols. When opting for pictographs, select those commonly used in your area.
- Placement and visibility. Where will patients and visitors to your facility look? Focal walls are typically excellent surfaces for displaying wayfinding signs. Other areas include elevator banks and stairwells.
Case Study: Summit Oaks Hospital
Our team was back at Summit Oaks Hospital. Earlier, we had assisted the client with rebranding a monument sign and installing mixed-media lobby signs. When this client needed hospital wayfinding signs in Union County, our graphic artist designed a directory panel and room labels identifying the cafeteria and administration areas. We mounted these above the doors for quick visibility. The directory is mounted in the reception area behind the desk.
Adding Effective Healthcare Facility Signs for Your Location
Which signage solutions are right for your location? We not only design, produce, and install classic wayfinding systems consisting of directories or door labels, but we can also help you with QR codes and floor graphics. Call us today to learn more about your options and put in your order for wayfinding signage!
