Across the world, various countries, states, and cities are beginning to ease restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Stores, schools, and workplaces are beginning to slowly reopen — or may soon plan to. But no matter how this transition occurs, one thing is clear: it won’t be business as usual. How do we redefine our spaces for this new reality?
As employees and customers step carefully back into the world, we will need to shift our behaviors, interactions, and ways of moving through space. New signage and wayfinding graphics, when implemented thoughtfully, can encourage practices to help people navigate this new world.
In support of our clients as they plan to bring people back to their offices, stores, restaurants, and other gathering places, we’ve outlined some ideas for signage and wayfinding graphics that introduce new practices and can help people feel at ease in this time of uncertainty.
Following are four best practices for signage communication and wayfinding graphics in a post-COVID-19 world:
1. Use your signs to communicate in a way that is friendly.
Existing off-the-shelf signs can sometimes induce stress. While the messages are important, the color palettes and typography of some signage can make a space feel harsh, dangerous, and unwelcoming. Shifting the design and tone of voice to something more friendly and human can help to instill a sense of community and common purpose.
Instead of alarming messaging such as “Put on a mask!” try signage that is less harsh, and illustrates how new behaviors might benefit the collective, such as “Let’s wear masks.”
2. Think about how signage can assist in the entire user journey through a space.
When selecting your signage system, it’s important to fully consider what is most important to the people who are returning to these spaces — what are they thinking, feeling, and needing? Examine the full user journey — from the moment they leave the safety of their homes to getting situated at their desk, or shopping again in their favorite stores, or sliding into a booth for dinner with friends.
For example, consider introducing friendly messages like “Welcome back” at the entrance, physical distancing floor decals in elevators and lobbies, and “Let’s wash our hands to protect each other” signs in restrooms.