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4.3 Signs and notices
Contents
Even in the most accessible and well-planned environment there is a need for
signs and notices. By designing signs and notices to the standards below it
is possible to create an environment that is easily used by everyone with minimal
assistance.
Design characteristics
Sign boards
- The sign board colour must contrast with the background as this will assist
with visibility and readability.
Schedule of colour contrast
|
Background
|
Signboard
|
Legend
|
|
red brick or dark stone
|
White
|
Black, dark green or dark blue
|
|
Light brick or light stone
|
Black / dark
|
White / yellow
|
|
Whitewashed walls
|
Black / dark
|
White / yellow
|
|
Green vegetation
|
White
|
Black, dark green or dark blue
|
|
Back-lit sign
|
Black
|
White / yellow
|
- The sign should have a non reflective matt finish.
- A contrasting border is necessary to enable visibility on both light and
dark backgrounds. For example, it is possible to see a light grey sign with
a white border in both light and dark conditions.
- The border should be 15mm in width on a sign 300mm in length and 80mm in
height. The dimensions can be increased proportionately for larger signs.
Characters
- Typeface should ideally be a Helvetica sans serif font. Avoid serifs whenever
possible.
- Increase letter spacing by 30% and inter-word spacing by around 25%.
- Sentence case (ie lower case with initial capitals for the start of sentences
and names) in preference to solely upper case characters.
- Characters should contrast with the sign board colour and be in a matt finish
as per the sign board.
- When using tactile characters any embossing should be between 1mm and 1.5mm.
Characters should be between 15mm and 50mm in height depending on the type
of sign. Always remember that characters must be embossed and never engraved.
- The character height for signs that are out of reach should be a minimum
of 100mm and a maximum of 170mm at a 3000mm viewing distance.
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