Author: Blu Hardy

There are several aspects schools should explore regarding signs. They can help with wayfinding, health and safety, engagement and even illuminating dark areas, to name a few. In this article, we look at the best practices to follow when planning for your educational institution.

Signs are vital for keeping students and staff aware when required. Their design plays a key role in the overall identity of the school. Different colours resonate better with different ages and pupils, too.

For example, primary schools will purposely use bright colours and ‘fun designs’ to create a safe feeling and comfortable setting. Secondary schools and higher education will use a more adult tone and strict designs to prepare students for the life after school.

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Signage in this sector needs to be utilised to be seen profusely and used regularly. The following few examples will show how best to use different signs to inform, encourage and help visitors and students alike.

Digital Signage:

The best way to use digital signage is as an easily readable information board. Notice boards are slowly coming out of fashion, and digital displays are quickly replacing them.

There are many advantages to digital signage:

1. They help you do your bit to minimise your impact on the environment. Energy consumption is very little, and you won’t need to print anymore.
2. Digital screens can be controlled from a central computer or from anywhere in the world remotely. This not only saves time but also helps the crucial green agenda.
3. Digitalisation has proven to produce higher engagement rates amongst millennials and generation Z.

Digital screens can display term dates and other important dates, events and even health and safety rules such as ‘wash your hands. Promoting multiple slides at a steady pace means you can communicate without bombarding people.

Outdoor digital screens help you feed information to other stakeholders, such as parents, inspectors, etc.

Wayfinding Signage:

Another required and practical product is the wayfinding scheme. It doesn’t just help people not to get lost but vastly improves the experience on campus. Some educational institutions have several buildings, which make it difficult to navigate around sometimes. Should this be the case for your organisation, our team could help you design, manufacture, and install new signage to help your students, staff, visitors and even Ofsted find their way around.

Over the years, you could expand your institution further or swap things around. Keeping your wayfinding signage up to date here is very important.

In primary education, there are fun ways that can help you add wayfinding. Using bright colours will help children to focus and to guide them to where they need to be. Applying colours to different parts of the buildings in higher education can also help you recognise each part easier.

Once in those sections’ door signs, arrows and maps can help the students to the room they need to be in.

To help those with visual impairments, braille and tactile signs can help students find where they need to be whilst keeping their independence. 

Wayfinding signage comes in handy at the car park, leisure centres and other accessible areas if they are part of your institution.

Floor Graphics:

Floor graphics are cost-effective and contain essential information. They can be used both internally and externally. Typical applications are for sports halls with the school logo, building entrances, car parks, etc. Graphics can serve as wayfinding or help people to keep their distance.

They could also be used in playgrounds to keep the children entertained at break times or during PE classes. At Fountains Federation in Stretton, we recently designed, printed, and installed floor graphics in their corridors for the children to use for activities such as practising balance, hopscotch, and spatial awareness.

Entrance Signs:

Schools of all kinds need prominent, warm, enthusiastic fascia signage representing their vision, values, and reputation. Your typography and design should transmit messages of quality and reputability as they are the first visible thing to your building.

Depending on your community, brand and so on, you could utilise many different options. Some choose halo-illuminated 3D letters and logos to represent the school. This option helps your institution to stand out day and night. Including your school’s logo indeed allows others to identify the school and creates brand recognition.

Sign trays at different sides of the buildings also increase exposure. They are helpful to visitors who may have never been to your facility before. Post and panel signs are another solution you could install near your entrance, where you can include your website and phone number.Whatever the age of your students, you are likely to be required to apply the same signage around your building. Old school signage schemes can be confusing nowadays, so it may be necessary to reconsider your signage. Our multi-award-winning team at Hardy Signs can manage your project from beginning to end, including survey, design, manufacturing, and installation across the UK.

Signage is an essential investment for the efficient running of educational institutions, and research shows that good signage improves engagement. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you transform your institution.

Click hereAbout the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom. The company has been awarded Manufacturer of the Year in 2019, 2020 & 2023.

Window graphics have been around a lot longer than you may imagine. One-way blinds have been around since, at least, the 18th century, where they were made from canvas, silk, or wire mesh painted on one side. Years later, in the 70s and 80s, perforated films were sold as sun blinds for vehicles and buildings. The first patent was then cited for see-through graphics. These allowed for users to have a one-way view which allowed excellent visibility through.

Nowadays, window graphics are used for various purposes, and there are plenty of options to look at when thinking of using them to advertise your business. They are typically made from vinyl that can be applied and removed easily from the glass without leaving marks or damaging anything.

>> Why are window graphics helpful?

Window graphics are a low-cost option for advertising your brand and quickly makes customers and passers-by aware of your business. There are many ways that window graphics can be helpful.

Location

Finding the location of a business can sometimes prove very difficult if they are not signposted strategically. Applying window graphics to your window space can ultimately point your brand out, making it easier for customers to spot you.

Exposure

Graphics can be used as a clever marketing tool. Think about it this way; you could spend thousands on a billboard advertisement or save your money and advertise your brand on your window. It will be easier to measure, too.

Where you have ample space to show your brand off, why not utilise that?

Using one-way window graphics means that you can use the whole window too (not just a small section) and still see out from the inside. This technique is also known as ‘contravision’. When you are out shopping, you’d be surprised at the imagery our brains take in, so making sure your window graphics are aesthetically pleasing is a must.

Privacy

In specific sectors, privacy is very important to the clients. Take the hair, beauty and cosmetics industry, for example – many businesses in this sector use frosted window graphics so that passers-by can’t look at the customers inside.

Customers prefer to stay private and relaxed and using window graphics helps them feel less exposed to the public. Opaque window films are also available if your customers prefer complete privacy.

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>> Which sectors use window graphics?

Sports Facilities

Football stadiums, Gyms and other leisure facilities use window graphics at their venues. Stadiums use window graphics on their main entrances when introducing new players to the clubs, big wins in their leagues and team pictures to engage visitors and boost morale on match days.

For example, Derby County FC uses the large window panels at their stadium to show support to the team and fans. Manchester United typically adds lines of their football chant to keep spirits high when fans arrive on match days. Chelsea features their players and current sponsorships with other brands.

Financial Institutions

Various graphics are used in banks; they usually consist of general information such as opening and closing times, contact details and website. They also typically include small graphics across the windows, known as manifestation graphics – which are applied to large windows/doors to help stop customers and visitors from walking into the glass and injuring themselves.

Hospitality

In Hospitality, graphics advertise general information such as logo, recruitment, offers and facility benefits. In hotels, privacy films may also be used to provide guests with added privacy in places such as the spa, swimming pool or bedroom/bathrooms.

Professional Services

Professional services are everything from estate agents and contractors to accounting firms and salons – they use window graphics in different ways. Estate agents and accountancy firms will use their window space to apply window graphics with professional logos. Salons will use them to show offers, and information passers-by will look twice at.

Education

In the education sector, colours are significant, especially in the early years’ department. Window graphics can be designed so they are as vibrant or as dull as needs are. Many nurseries use bright window graphics to cover windows entirely so the outside cannot see in for the safeguarding of the younger children.

They are also used to promote upcoming events and keep everyone informed of term dates, off days and other events such as conferences and parents’ evenings. They are a great way of sharing your institution’s mission, vision, and core values.

>> What are the different types of window graphics available?

Contravision:

Contravision is a type of vinyl used so that people can see out, but nobody else can see in. This vinyl contains holes that offer a clear view out at all times. The perforations mean that no bubbles can appear in the vinyl without ruining the overall look. This option is a great way to advertise on the outside of the window without losing any light.

Window Tint:

Window tints are great for protecting your business or car from the sun, however, when using window tints on vehicles, the front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through, and the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through.

This solution can also provide privacy whilst still allowing light to pass through and keeping rooms cooler on hot days.

Solar Films:

Solar films are great for reducing glares from the sun and heat. When the sun is shining through your windows all day, it can make a room extremely hot and uncomfortable. These work by having a reflective appearance that helps rebound the sun’s light away before it can pass through and increase the temperature of a room.

Etched Vinyl:

This type of vinyl is designed to look as if the glass it has been applied to has been etched or blasted. This gives a visual impression that the glass may have been processed by chemical etching or sandblasting.

These tend to be used on windows and doors to stop people from walking into the glass as required by Regulation 14 (Health and Safety) Regulations 1992.

Frosted Vinyl:

Frosted vinyl is another form of manifestation window graphics. This can be used for total coverage of windows on meeting room windows and doors for a sense of privacy.

Window graphics are a versatile signage solution for use in a range of sectors. There are so many options out there to choose from, and we can help with that. If you’re unsure which you may require, contact us here or call us on 01283 569102 for our guidance and expertise.

Window GraphicsAbout the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom. The company has been awarded the manufacturer of the year in 2019 and 2020.

Signage is more than a piece of promotional material for your brand. It is a representation of your brand’s professionalism and integrity. So if you can create memorable and mesmerising signage that can attract a large target audience, you can quickly grow your brand into a success.

The problem with many business owners is they don’t focus enough attention on creating quality signage for their brands. Instead, they purchase some templates or third-party signage designs and make a few modifications before printing them out and posting them at their facilities. This kind of lackluster signage can diminish the integrity of your brand and scare customers away.

Here are some examples of lacklustre signage you’ll want to avoid for your brand’s signage:

1) Poorly Designed

Customers notice poorly designed signage as soon as they see it. For example, a sign should never have too many visual elements or text content. Instead, keep your signage nice and simple by only putting a few graphics and words on them. Just make sure the graphics and words are powerful and convey your brand’s message without misunderstandings.

Simplicity can help you deliver a distinct and concise message to consumers. Not only that, but it also makes it easier for consumers to remember your message and your brand. That is the whole idea of signage creation in the first place, isn’t it?

2) No Original Brand Logo and Colours

An original brand logo and colours are the essence of creating effective signage. If you haven’t done so already, you need to create an original colour scheme for your brand. A colour scheme should include no more than two to three colours to reflect your brand’s image. That way, people can think of your brand by only looking at the colours on the signage. Enquire nowBrochure

3) No Clear Message to Your Target Audience

What message are you trying to convey to your target audience? It isn’t enough to focus only on your signage’s visual elements and design quality. You must also focus on the central message you’re trying to send to your audience. Keep the message consistent in all your signs so they will remember it.

Remember that part of promoting a brand is reaching an audience that has a reason to care about it. Therefore, your message needs to target an audience with a valid interest in the products or services you’re selling. If your message isn’t consistent, you won’t reach the right audience with your signage.

4) Bad Installation

You’d be surprised how many business owners attempt to install their own signage, only to find it falling apart or missing altogether. One of the benefits of hiring a professional signage company is receiving a high-quality installation, especially if the sign is outside. Then you can be sure the signage will be installed correctly and in a high-visibility location.

When Hardy Signs installs signage for our customers, we aim to find the most visible spots on the property. We don’t want anyone to overlook the signage because trees or other obstructions were in the way.

5) Poorly Maintained

How often do you maintain your signage? Think about all the dirt and debris which could accumulate on your signage in a given day or week. If you don’t keep your signage sparkly clean, it will reflect poorly on your brand’s professionalism and integrity. People might think your company is too cheap to have clean signs, so why would they trust the quality of your products or services?

For this reason, make the extra effort to clean and repair your signs periodically. It is imperative to keep them looking good so that your brand can keep looking good in their eyes.

Get High-Quality Signage Created for Your Brand Today

Excellent signage is all about originality and creativity. Show your brand is different from other brands by displaying signage that people have never seen before. Use an original design with a unique colour scheme and logo that allows consumers to identify your brand. And most importantly, include a clear message to your target audience so they know which actions to take toward your business.

Contact Hardy Signs at +44 (0) 1283 569 102 to request a consultation with our signage design team and learn how we can create the highest quality signage possible for your brand.About the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom.

Signage is a powerful part of marketing your brand or shop, large or small. Often, it’s one of the first things that potential customers spot. Not only does it need to attract shoppers, but the copy needs to be creative and impactful enough to leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat business.

Whether you are starting a new business venture or re-branding, great signage can undoubtedly turn heads and get you noticed. We consider our signage as your silent, yet highest-selling salesperson.As a multi-award-winning professional and digital signage company, we operate extensively in the retail market. We have a wealth of experience in manufacturing transformative signage for businesses across the UK. Operating from our manufacturing headquarters in Burton on Trent, we design, manufacturer and install all types of shop signage.

>> Here are a few examples of essential shop signage:

Fascia signs

Generally located at the front of your premises, Fascia Signage is designed to promote and engage with your customers. It is a great medium that enables you to display your brand name and communicate your key messages.

Our in-house team of designers can tailor make your fascia signage to create a bespoke and unique piece, explicitly targeting your particular audience. With a wide range of materials and illumination techniques, your fascia signage will catch the eye of every passer-by 24/7.

Indoor Signage

With a vast array of options available for Indoor Signage, we’re able to utilise the latest technologies in design, print and fabrication to offer signage that will enhance your internal spaces, improve staff engagement and impress visitors alike. From suspended ceiling signs, wall graphics and wayfinding signage, our site surveyors can visit you to establish requirements and ultimately set up your project brief with design, cost and risk assessment, and so on.

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Window Graphics

Make use of the large surfaces in your shop by utilising every area possible to advertise your business. Through Window Graphics, once seemingly empty spaces can now be transformed by creating an incredible, eye-catching impact for any passerby. Window graphics can completely or partially cover the glass, depending on your specific requirements. Not only useful for displaying graphics, but for practicality and safety, some sectors by law could potentially be unsafe without these films. We offer solar films to reduce harmful UV rays, as well as tinted and frosted films to enhance privacy and reinforcement. Safety films are popular in healthcare, hospitality, beauty salons, and many other sectors.

Digital Signage

Digital signage is the fastest-growing form of advertising and communication globally. We can provide simple, cost-effective solutions that anybody can use, regardless of their technical expertise. We can also offer more comprehensive solutions for corporate projects that allow you to control, monitor, and update a network of screens worldwide through our online portal.

Digital screens shall be placed internally to inform customers and upsell, or by the window, aiming to advertise to passers-by.

Whether you’ve been in business for many years or you are just getting started, the details matter. Our mission is to deliver bespoke, high-quality professional and digital Signage, increase efficiency, build partnerships, and enable you, as the customer, to succeed across the UK, Europe, and beyond.About the company: Hardy Signs is a professional and digital signage company that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke signage products to a wide range of business sectors in the United Kingdom.