Tourists arrive in Costa Rica from all over the world and, of course, they speak different languages. That is why the use of signage, and especially environmental awareness signage, is so important. In this way, everyone will be able to understand what we want to report.
Later, you will see how environmental awareness signage can work in two ways. On the one hand, it protects and guides you, and on the other hand, it is protecting and teaching you to protect the environment.
But, first, let’s see what signage is.
What is signage?
We can say that signage is a communication technique that, through the use of iconic, linguistic, and chromatic signs and symbols, guides and provides instructions on how an individual or a group of people should act in a certain physical space.
It differs from signage in that it refers to the set of signs used in a public space. Signaling is a system that aims to regularize the flow of people or vehicles in an outdoor space without influencing the image of the environment and without taking into account its characteristics. Signage, on the other hand, shapes the image of the environment and has a direct impact on it.
The main objective of signage is to provide users with access to the required services. Also, informing them in a clear, precise, specific, and direct way possible, since the recipient needs to quickly access the destination. We must remember that in signage, less is always more, given that excess information can confuse and send wrong or unattractive messages. It is for this reason that it is necessary to take into account only what is essential for the assembly of a system; also, use synthetic formulas and be very schematic.
Since it is used in places with a large flow of people, it requires a universal language among users; predominantly visual and quickly perceived due to the immediacy of the message.
It is essential to know the space in which the signage system will be applied, in terms of its architecture and the corporate identity of the entity where we will work. Each system is created or adapted to each particular case and must adhere to the characteristics of the environment; This system will reinforce the public image or corporate brand.
Importance of environmental awareness signage
Signage has a multidisciplinary nature, since it encompasses a much broader range of communicative resources and is considered in terms of other areas; not only graphic design but also architecture, organization of services and lighting.
Environmentally conscious signage can be defined as a discipline of environmental communication and information that aims to guide the decisions and actions of individuals in places where services are provided.
They help mobility
By placing posters, signs, and advertisements, they help in the human movement in the community. The signs and symbols found in our environment ensure the free and smooth movement of members of society, such as road users, motorists, and pedestrians.
This way they will be able to know where to go and, more importantly, where not to go and in this way protect the ecosystem in which they find themselves. Without these signs, there would be chaos and disorder in our ecosystem. The careless interference of man in nature is the main cause of the destruction of ecosystems.
They warn of the dangers
Environmental awareness signage can also warn of hazards. The pictograms on the product packages inform us that we are entering areas where animal or plant species live that may be dangerous or that may be a threat to our health.
The best actions to take in these cases are conveyed to us with the help of these pictograms and signs.
Posters and signs can also give instructions on handling situations, animals, and objects.
Environmentally conscious road signs, markings, and signage help motor users, horseback riders, and walkers know how to navigate the area and the hazards on the highway, trails, and trails.
It also shows us where we are, where to go, and, above all, how to do it.
Elements to take into account in environmental awareness signage
Environmentally conscious signage typography: consider the font size, thickness, necessary contrast, legibility, space morphology, lighting, corporate identity, and brand image. It is advisable to avoid abbreviations, and fragmented words (if necessary, look for synonyms that are shorter words) and remember that lowercase words are assimilated faster than those with uppercase.
Pictograms. They are signs that represent symbols, real objects, or figures. Those that are more pertinent from the semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic aspects should be taken. The use of pictograms is based on abstraction, that is, on the separation of what is essential and non-essential in a visual field.
The idea is to be as schematic as possible. Exposing the most essential, particular, and characteristic so that the user generates a mental synthesis of the information provided and can store it in his visual memory.
Chromatic Code. The use of colors to differentiate areas, routes, and building floors, can constitute a more developed code, an extension of the signage system that complements it. Color can be an element that integrates signage with the work environment and constitutes a very efficient means of identification, as it is used, for example, in public transport to differentiate lines.
The correct contrasts, visibility, size of figures, distances, printing methods, corporate colors, and color psychology must be considered since they are directly associated with the brand or visual identity of the organization.
