Signage can be an expensive part of many environments. When spending a lot of money you want to ensure that the signage you specify is accessible to as wide a range of users as possible and to avoid costly mistakes.
Why should I make my signage scheme accessible?
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Making your signs as accessible as possible can open up the environment to a wider range of users
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It may increase the number of people using your building or service
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It may reduce the amount of assistance that is required from staff to guide people around the environment
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By using best practice guidelines it can also reduce the need for you to adapt your signage at a later stage to keep up.
What we do
The type of work we undertake is varied and flexible but includes:
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audits of existing signage
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appraisals of proposed signage
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sign design, production and installation services
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practical information and advice on the latest legislation and guidance
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research and development partnerships
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staff training and CPD packages.
Audits of existing signage
A review of your existing signs will help to highlight current good practice and also barriers that your signage scheme may create to the people using your building or service.
Why should I review my existing signs?
A signage audit will be of benefit if you are unsure that your signs are meeting the needs of users. Perhaps you have had complaints about your signs or that people are regularly getting lost. You may be looking to update your current signs and want to find out how your current signage system can be improved.
Bronze - Overview Audit
A brief tour of the site to identify the main signage issues. This is followed up by a 1-2 page report listing the main issues. Photos are provided. Recommendations for improvement and legislative background are not included.
Silver - Bullet-point Audit
A survey of the site to identify the main signage issues. This is followed by a report which includes legislative background, supporting information and a bulleted list of the observations and corresponding recommendations for improving the main signage issues. Photos are provided. Comments and recommendations are not detailed, but are supported by our signage fact sheet.
Gold - Detailed Audit
A full survey of the entire site covering signage issues. This is followed up by a detailed audit report which includes legislative background, supporting information and photographs. All observations and recommendations are contained in a detailed spreadsheet with information on location and priority/category and a reference to the signage fact sheet and Sign Design Guide.
Appraisals of proposed signage
A review of your proposed signs will help to highlight good practice and also barriers that your signage scheme may create to the people using your building or service.
Why should I review my proposed signs?
A signage appraisal will be of benefit if you want to check that your proposed signs will meet the needs of a wide range of users. It is far easier and more cost effective to make changes to a scheme at the design stage than when the signs have been installed.
Bronze - Overview Appraisal
A brief review of your proposed signage designs to identify the main signage issues. This is followed up by a 1-2 page report listing the main issues. Recommendations for improvement and legislative background are not included.
Silver - Bullet-point Appraisal
A review of your proposed signage designs to identify the main signage issues. This is followed by a report which includes legislative background, supporting information and a bulleted list of the observations and corresponding recommendations for improving the main signage issues. Comments and recommendations are not detailed, but are supported by our signage fact sheet.
Gold - Detailed Appraisal
A full survey of your proposed signage. This is followed up by a detailed report which includes legislative background and supporting information. All observations and recommendations are contained in a detailed spreadsheet with information on location and priority/category and a reference to the signage fact sheet and Sign Design Guide.
Sign design, production and installation
Our sign design, production and installation service will be of benefit if you are looking at having signs designed for an existing or proposed environment.
This service involves visiting your site or reviewing plans for a proposed environment and assessing locations for a new signage scheme. A report is provided showing the design of the proposed signs including:
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the proposed colour scheme for the signs
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the size of each sign, drawn to scale
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the typestyle to be used
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details on the construction of the signs
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a photo showing the proposed location of each sign
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plans showing the location of each sign
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prices for each sign
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the total price to purchase the recommended signs
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a price for installation of the signs
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we can also provide a sample of the type of signs we have recommended.
We can then arrange for your signage scheme to be produced and installed.
Further services
We've also got a range of further services set up to help you:
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turning text into braille - send in your text for us to transcribe into a 2D black dot braille pattern.
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proofreading of braille - we can translate your braille back into text from artwork or a sample sign. Helpful if you're just starting to create your own braille and want to check what you've designed.
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signage assessment - send us your sample sign and we will supply feedback on your chosen design. A great service if you're unsure of the colours, font or layout that you want to use.
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signage procurement advice - we'll work with you on a procurement specification for signage that is personal to your situation. Or if you already have a supplier but have questions about proposed designs, we can give you feedback based on current best practice and our real world experience.
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signage strategies - we can assist you in the development of a signage strategy or review your current strategy.
Wayfinding solutions
RNIB can also offer other systems to help people to find their way around:
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RNIB React - a talking sign system, that can also be integrated into real time information.
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RNIB Map for All - a static sign design concept of designing maps to be read by sight and touch.
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Handheld tactile maps - We can also supply handheld maps in tactile, large print and clear print formats.
Publications
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The Sign design Guide this guide gives information on creating effective and consistent signs.
Training
RNIB offer an extensive range of training courses relating to the built environment, including Signage and Wayfinding.
These courses are usually run in-house so that we can personalise the approach to suit your organisation.
Visit our Signage and Wayfinding training page for more information.
How else can we help?
RNIB offers a range of services to support organisations striving to embrace diversity and improve their business. These services include training and consultancy for accessible buildings, websites, accessible information, products and more.
Please explore the information in the professionals section, or call us to find out more.
Contact us
RNIB Access Consultancy Services
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Phone: 01733 37 53 70