Downtown Signs Improve Experience for Residents, Tourists Alike
A vibrant downtown is critical to any city and town. It improves quality of life and draws tourists. A well-developed sign program can improve the overall experience. But where does a community start? Evidence-based research can provide a roadmap. A new study from the Signage Foundation, Inc., “Signs and the Downtown Experience,” surveyed residents and tourists in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York to evaluate the effectiveness of different design methods. Emotional reaction, usefulness, aesthetic value, and a dozen other metrics were all taken into account.
The research shows that digital signs that display real-time content and are architecturally integrated are extremely effective. The SFI study also finds that wayfinding signs are highly regarded for improving urban and community brands.
These results allow every city to evaluate their own sign systems or plan for new elements that will contribute to their safety, economic vitality, and unique branding.
There’s much more information to share from “Signs and the Downtown Experience”. If you’d like to know more, click here for the full study in PDF form. You can also email Sapna Budev with any questions.
