Designing An Effective Wayfinding System For Your Store
How easy is it for customers to find what they need in your store? No one wants to walk around a store in circles trying to find something. It's aggravating, and aggravated customers may not return to your store. Fortunately, the problem can be resolved easily. All you need is a wayfinding system that points your customers in the right direction. Use these tips to design the signs you need to create an effective wayfinding system for your shop.
Basics of an Effective Wayfinding System
Wayfinding systems are systems of signs that are used to direct customers through your store. Your system needs to begin in the parking lot and continue to direct customers throughout the entire store. The key to creating an effective wayfinding system is to anticipate all possible pathways and destinations throughout your store. Then, create signs to guide your customers in the right direction. However, it's important that you don't overdo it. You don't want your shop to resemble an airport terminal, so you need to direct your customers effectively while using as few signs as possible.
Determine What Type of Signs Are Needed
There are several different sign types that you can use to guide people around your store.
- Directional signs are signs that point your customer in the right direction. If you have a big store, you should consider using directional signs along the major aisleways to point customers to specific departments and restrooms.
- Destination signs are signs that tell your customer their exact location. You should consider using destination signs to label specific departments or areas of your store. These signs should be visible throughout the store if possible. Destination signs should also be used to label places such as customer restrooms and customer service desks.
- Regulatory signs should also be used in your store. These signs help you keep customers in the correct areas. For example, if you don't want customers to enter your store's back storage area, you could put a sign on the door that says, "Employees Only" or "Do Not Enter."
Sign Aesthetics
The signs that you display in your store reflect your overall brand. They need to be easy to read and simple to understand. Additionally, you should make sure that your store's exterior and interior signs are consistent. To do this, use the same colors, font, and design on all of your store's signage.
Ultimately, it's your store's wayfinding system that helps your customers find exactly what they need. If you don't have a system currently, or if your system needs an upgrade, you should take the time to design a wayfinding system that's effective and reflective of your store's brand.