Wayfinding signage isn’t just about making your space look professional.
It’s about guiding your visitor where they need to go, safely and efficiently.
In this article, we’re going to walk you through the 4 main types of wayfinding signs we recommend to every business owner.
We’ll talk about how each type of sign is used, give real-world examples, and make sure you walk away with a clear understanding of what signage your location needs.
The 4 Types of Wayfinding Signage
Before we dive into the details, here’s the big picture. The four types of wayfinding signage are:
- Directional signage
- Identification signage
- Informational signage
- Regulatory signage
Let’s go over each one and how it fits into a business.
Directional Signage
Directional signage is what most people picture first when they think of a wayfinding sign.
These are the arrows, hallway signs, or overhead signs that tell someone where to go next, like “Lobby,” “Restrooms,” or “Exit.”
Directional signs are often installed in corridors, intersections, and open areas. It’s designed to help people follow directional signage easily without having to ask for help.
Example:
In a hospital, you might see an example of directional signage like:
→ Radiology — 3rd Floor, Elevator B
This helps patients and visitors find their way quickly in a high-stress environment.
Directional wayfinding signage helps manage traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks. It’s one of the most visible elements in any greater wayfinding system.
Identification Signage
Identification signs show people where they currently are.
These signs identify spaces in a room, department, or building. This sign is very important for confirming that a person has reached their destination.
You’ll usually place these signs at doorways, entrances, and important landmarks within your space.
Example:
A law office may have identification signage on each conference room:
“Room A – Client Consultations”
This tells visitors they’ve found the right room and avoids confusion or delays. In retail, this might be aisle signage in a grocery store: “Produce” or “Dairy.”
Informational Signage
Informational signage covers the extra details people often need to know, general info, hours of operation, accessibility info, building maps, and more. These signs give people the context they need to fully understand your space.
Usually, it’s placed in lobbies, entrances, or shared areas, informational signs act like a silent concierge. They are universally understandable and use clear language and symbols.
Example:
A college campus uses informational signage in the student union that shows a map with points of interest like restrooms, elevators, Wi-Fi zones, and emergency exits.
These signs aren’t about directions — they’re about enhancing intuitive navigation.
Informational signage pertains to anything that doesn’t involve rules or directions but still improves the visitor experience.
Regulatory Signage
Regulatory signage is all about rules, compliance, and safety. These signs serve as reminders of what’s allowed or prohibited in certain areas. Regulatory signage focuses on liability and legal compliance, especially in public or high-traffic areas.
You’ll find regulatory signs near entrances, exits, restricted areas, or any space where behavior must be managed.
Example:
A warehouse might use regulatory signage to display:
“Authorized Personnel Only – Safety Gear Required”
In parking lots, regulatory signs include:
“No Parking,” “Handicap Accessible,” or “Fire Lane – Do Not Block.”
These signs are part of what makes your space not just navigable, but safe and compliant.
What Makes Effective Wayfinding Signage?
Great signage is more than text on a board. Effective signage follows best practices in design, color, visibility, and placement. Here’s what to consider:
- Simplicity: Signage should be simple and clear. Avoid jargon.
- Consistency: Use the same fonts, colors, and style across your wayfinding system.
- Accessibility: Think about font size, contrast, and Braille for compliance.
- Placement: If signs are commonly used near intersections or elevators, make sure they’re installed at eye level and in the right lighting conditions.
When done right, signs act as an extension of your customer service team. They communicate, facilitate, and support your brand.
How Do You Choose the Right Type of Signage for Your Business?
Start by asking: What do people need to know when they walk into your space?
- Do they need to find their way to specific rooms? Use directional signage.
- Are they confused about where they are? Use identification signs.
- Do they have questions about policies or maps? Use informational signs.
- Are there safety rules or restrictions? Use regulatory signs.
Every business is different, but most benefit from using all 4 types in a smart & coordinated place.
Get Expert Help with Your Wayfinding Signs
At MetroCenter Signworks, we’re a trusted sign company based in Nashville, TN.
We help businesses create clear & effective wayfinding signs that make it easy for people to find their way around your space.
Don’t worry, we’ll help you plan, design, and build signs that fit your layout and brand.
So, call us today, tell us what you need, and we’ll help you plan and give you a free quote!
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Remember About Wayfinding Signage
- Wayfinding signage helps people navigate and feel confident in your space.
- The four main types of wayfinding signs are:
- Directional signage guides people from one point to another.
- Identification signage tells people where they are.
- Informational signage provides helpful context, like maps or hours.
- Regulatory signage enforces rules and ensures safety.
- Use a combination of permanent (static signage) and temporary signage based on your location’s needs.
- Signage helps improve accessibility, reduce confusion, and create a polished customer experience.
- Work with a wayfinding expert to build signage that fits your space, brand, and visitors’ expectations.
Want to learn more about choosing the right sign for your business? Check out our blog “Pylon Sign Vs Monument Sign: Which Is Best for Your Business?” to compare two of the most popular exterior sign types. We break down the differences in visibility, cost, design, and placement so you can decide which one fits your location and brand best.
FAQs
Q. What are the four types of signs?
A. The four main types of wayfinding signs are identification, directional, informational, and regulatory.
- Identification signs tell people where they are, like room names or department labels.
- Directional signs guide people through a space with arrows or route info.
- Informational signs give general details, such as hours of operation or Wi-Fi info.
- Regulatory signs communicate rules or restrictions, like “No Smoking” or “Authorized Personnel Only.”
Q. What are Wayfinder signs?
A. Wayfinder signs are any signs that help people find their way through a building, campus, or property. These include things like hallway arrows, parking lot signs, maps, and entrance labels. They’re part of a larger wayfinding system designed to improve navigation and reduce confusion for visitors.
Q. What makes good wayfinding signage?
A. Good wayfinding signage is clear, consistent, and easy to understand at a glance. It should use readable fonts, high-contrast colors, and universal symbols when possible. Effective wayfinding signs are also placed strategically—where people naturally pause or need to make a decision—so they guide movement without overwhelming or confusing users.
Q. How many types of signage are there?
A. There are many types of signage, but when it comes to wayfinding, the main four are identification, directional, informational, and regulatory. Beyond wayfinding, you’ll also find promotional signs, safety signs, ADA signage, and more—each serving a different purpose depending on your business or facility needs.