27/05/2025
Busy cities and town centres can be confusing places to navigate whether on foot or by car. In some locations, unfortunately, city wayfinding signs are missing or ambiguous, and in others, are sadly devoid of character. In this article, we will look at how you can transform your public city spaces through modern wayfinding signage.
Function versus charm?
City wayfinding signs are, first and foremost, utilitarian items. They have to provide clear and concise information to help people find what they are looking for, while also maintaining a smooth flow of traffic and avoiding congestion. However, this doesn’t mean that signage and wayfinding have to be drab and banal in city centres. Far from it; a bespoke signage strategy can enhance town centre navigation while aligning with the culture, heritage, and identity of the place. You can, for instance, incorporate nostalgic wayfinding signs with local landmarks and cultural icons, such as Robin Hood in Nottingham, to create a unique sense of place and improve the visitor experience.
By integrating town branding and identity into your wayfinding signage, you can help boost local engagement and tourism by creating Instagram-worthy spots that encourage social media sharing and attract visitors to the place!
Bringing city wayfinding signs into the 2020s
Most city wayfinding signs are a throwback to the days before GPS, smart phones, and the Internet, when people relied solely on signage to navigate around town. A lot of people find these signs attractive and quant. There are more options, however, when commissioning modern wayfinding signage. Incorporating QR codes or NFC technology into traditional-style signs can balance modern functionality with the needs of contemporary visitors. This provides an option for people who prefer digital information while maintaining the aesthetic of old-fashioned physical signage.
Wayfinding design strategies for town and city planners and local authorities
So, what is the best way to implement a bespoke wayfinding strategy for your local area? Call us biased, but in our experience the best way for local authorities to incorporate function and charm, traditional aesthetics with digital access, is by partnering with a single, end-to-end signage provider, such as Image Technique. Our team can handle every aspect of design, manufacturing, and installation on your behalf, streamlining your project management and minimising coordination complexities and potential delays.
Working with an experienced signage designer will also maximise budget efficiency, by giving you a choice of durable and sustainable materials that withstand the elements and address public concerns about maintenance costs.
Find out more
For more information about distinctive wayfinding signage that is designed and built to remain a lasting feature of your town centre, please contact Image Technique today by clicking here.
Image Source: Canva
