4. Parking Signage Is Part of the Wayfinding Journey

Parking should not be treated as an isolated part of a signage system.

For many visitors, parking is actually an important transition between vehicular and pedestrian navigation.

Parking signs may identify entrances, reserved areas, levels, building connections or exit routes.

The design should prioritize clarity, particularly when drivers need to recognize and respond to information within a short period of time.

Consistent arrows, terminology and visual hierarchy also help parking signage connect naturally with the wider commercial wayfinding system.

5. Pedestrian Signage Guides the Next Step

After parking or entering the property on foot, the information visitors need changes.

Instead of large-scale vehicular information, pedestrian signage can provide more specific directions toward buildings, stairs, elevators, entrances and other facilities.

This type of sign is often smaller because it is viewed at a shorter distance.

However, the same principles still apply: clear arrows, readable typography, appropriate contrast and consistent destination naming.

Sign placement is also important.

Directional information should ideally appear at or before the point where visitors need to make a decision.

6. Building Entrances Should Confirm Arrival

The final stage of the exterior wayfinding journey is often the building entrance.

At this point, visitors should receive clear confirmation that they have reached the correct destination.

Entrance identification, elevator signage and building numbers can help create this confirmation.

From here, the signage system can continue inside the property through lobby directories, floor identification, room signs and interior directional signage.

For commercial buildings with multiple tenants or facilities, maintaining a consistent visual language between exterior and interior signage can make the transition easier to understand.

7. Consistency Connects Different Sign Types

A commercial property may contain many different sign types, but visitors should experience them as one coordinated system.

Consistency can be created through:

• Typography
• Arrow styles
• Pictograms
• Colors
• Materials and finishes
• Destination terminology
• Information hierarchy

International references for graphical symbols can also provide useful guidance when developing public information and wayfinding systems.

Accessibility should also be considered during signage planning, particularly for projects in the United States. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design provide important requirements and references for accessible environments.