When it comes to way-finding and signage, there is nowhere that it is more critical than in a hotel. After all, with so many guests and visitors arriving on the premises every day, hotels need to have an effective system for providing the necessary information to help guests arrive where they want to go. In order to achieve high-quality way-finding design, it is highly recommended that you work with signage and way-finding consultants in Dubai (or wherever your hotel is located) to ensure that you are incorporating all of the essential elements.
From the importance of strategy and team-work to finding the balance between creativity and practicality, read on for the essential requirements for quality hotel way-finding design.
1. Strategy
There is plenty of strategy required to produce quality hotel way-finding, and, without this planning, it is unlikely that your system is going to be successful. Keep in mind that when done correctly, your way-finding and signage efforts will not only help with movement but will also transform the spatial experience. However, in order for that to happen, it is crucial that you pay attention to every detail. Thoroughly understanding way-finding specifications within a hotel environment is vital to creating a successful system.
For this reason, it is highly recommended that you work with way-finding and signage experts to ensure that you are strategizing for all elements. These elements will include decisions regarding the number of signs, the location of the signs, the design and materials of the signs, and how the overall way-finding strategy coordinates with your brand goals and guidelines.
By working with an experienced design partner, you are setting yourself up for success as there will be a smoother transition from strategizing and planning to design and installation.
2. Placement
One of the most important aspects of quality hotel signage design is placement. In other words, when guests need information, is there an appropriately placed sign to give them directions? In order to have the best hotel way-finding design, you want your signs to be located in high-traffic areas and in spots where visitors have to make way-finding decisions.
Furthermore, signs should be placed near the front desk so that guests are able to locate themselves from the moment that they check-in, as well as near elevators and information desks. If you are unsure where you should be placing your signs, spend some time analyzing where people congregate and where they seem to be confused about directions. These are the spots in which your signs should certainly be positioned.
Every hotel has unique way-finding and signage needs, but some common exterior ones include sets of letters for building identification and parking garage signage. Interior signage may involve room IDs and amenity signage, as well as lobby TVS, meeting room signs, and statutory signs. Whatever your individual signage needs are, proper placement should always be at the foreground of your decisions.
3. Creativity and Practicality
Due to evolving technology, one of the most exciting parts of way-finding and signage design in 2020 is the amount of creativity that can be incorporated into it. By getting creative with your way-finding design, you are in a better position to build brand equity and elevate your brand story. It is the creative strategy that ensures each element comes together to present a cohesive narrative that speaks to your target audience.
However, you don’t want to fall into the trap of focusing solely on the branding and creative portion of way-finding design. Keep in mind that from a guest and visitor perspective, hotel signage needs to provide more than just an aesthetic experience. Therefore, your creativity needs to be balanced with practicality, and a bridge between design and functionality needs to be erected. In other words, every single sign must answer two questions, “Where am I now?” and “How do I get where I want to go?”
Whatever elements that are included in your signage, you want to ensure that they are clear and concise so that guests and visitors can actually utilize them. The last thing you want is to have guests feel bombarded with unnecessary information, the moment that they step within your hotel grounds. Similarly, you don’t want to have too little information that guests are regularly confused as to where to go.
4. Team Work
As with most things in life, if you want to have the best hotel way-finding design, then you need to be working with the best people. As way-finding is a mix of art and science, it is crucial that you work with people who have expertise in both and who can bring new, fresh ideas to the table.
When looking to hire a way-finding and signage design company, you want to prioritize finding a firm that offers a comprehensive approach. This means that they are forward-thinking in terms of design and branding while also recognizing the importance of functionality.
Additionally, you also want a firm that has worked on hotel way-finding design projects in the past and whose work you admire and enjoy. There are a variety of approaches to way-finding design, which is why it is vital that you choose a firm that takes an approach that works for you. Look through potential firms’ portfolios to get a better idea of the previous projects they have worked on and whether they align with your vision.
Final Thoughts
High-quality hotel signage design is essential for creating a pleasant guest experience and enhancing your brand identity. The best hotel way-finding design enables visitors to move seamlessly around your property, hardly noticing that a well thought-out signage strategy is in place. By investing in way-finding, you are building brand equity, creating a sense of space, and providing an organic customer experience.
What’s more, you are also going to see a positive return on investment because the more satisfying of an experience you provide guests with, the more likely they are going to return. Plus, a memorable experience encourages word-of-mouth advertising and brand loyalty.
Are you looking to update your hotel way-finding and signage design this year? Why or why not? What do you think are the most important aspects of high-quality way-finding systems?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Zak Zakaria is a Waymaker at dezigntechnic in Dubai who also previously worked as the company’s Graphic Designer and Art Director. Zak is a creative with work experience in multiple multinational agencies such as JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi. Signage design is a family business, making Zak’s personal experience with signage his longest professional commitment.
