Strategy 3.5
Signage
Signage with bike icons on a yellow door clearly shows the purpose of the room. Photo 1: Dylan Passmore / Flickr
Address written directly on a distinct, red apartment building door. Photo 2: David Baker Architects
Place signage at decision points & building entrances
3.5.1
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Fix signs to the doors they refer to, not to the adjacent surface.
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Place signs at eye level.
Sign indicating distances and directions to nearby destinations. Photo: Mack Male / Flickr
Ensure signage is visible
3.5.2
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Ensure that signage is visible from multiple directions. For example, double-sided signage ensures that people can see the information regardless of which direction they are approaching from.
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Provide lighting to illuminate signage and ensure that it is visible at all times of day, while being careful to minimize glare.
Signage provides critical information to people about how to move through the neighbourhood and find destinations. People living with dementia may not have access to a smartphone and may become more easily disoriented. Well-placed signage and informative signage can transform their experience of the neighbourhood.
Actions under this strategy:
Legible: Easy-to-understand direction help people know where they are and where they want to go.
Accessible: Ensures people's ability to read and understand signage at critical points.
Dementia-inclusive principles:
Wayfinding sign showing nearby destinations and walking distances in Downtown Edmonton. Photo: Mack Male / Flickr
3.5.3
Provide informative signage
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Provide signage that indicates the location of amenities, particularly areas to buy food or drink, public toilets, and seating.
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Indicate the distance to access amenities, using the number of minutes or steps for clarity.
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Provide easy-to-read maps at critical locations and decision points, such as near transit stops or at an entrance to a park.
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Include voice prompts and announcements where possible.
Clear signage overhead is combined with painted icons at a transit station. Photo: Dementia Singapore
3.5.4
Make signage easy to read
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Use clear language and text, including a bold typeface with good contrast between the text and background.
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Use clear and familiar icons alongside text to provide multiple ways to convey information.
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Consider familiar graphics that are well-understood by people living with dementia.
