The important role of signage in the modern world

From the advent of time man has used sign language and signs to communicate and that communication has evolved in response to social, cultural, economic and technological advances.

At their most fundamental, signs and signage are the most effective form of non-verbal communication available to human beings today.

Signage in daily life

Signage enables large numbers of people to travel safely, securely and efficiently as individuals and as part of a larger global community. Universal signs and symbols such as those used in traffic systems, or signs that denote place names and street names, are other forms of signage critical to our daily interactions. Across the world government laws and regulations are in place to ensure that signs and signage are used as beacons of information and way-finding in all public spaces and places.

Signage in business

From the time when man started trading, signs were used to differentiate one form of business or service offering from another. In today’s consumer-driven society, signs and signage are essential to differentiate competitors within the same field which is why we face the battle of the brands. Businesses have had to make more targeted use of signs and signage, to ensure that they stand out above their competitors and certainly above the crowd.

Signage in modern times

While signs and signage are still the most affordable form of marketing and advertising for a business, new technologies and innovations are required to grab and hold the attention of information-inundated consumers. Influential signage solutions used today include but are not limited to:

- Sign-centric and brand integrated building sites
- Trade-dressed and themed sites
- Digitally enhanced signs and signage
- Externally or internally illuminated signs
- Tri-vision mobile billboards
- Building and vehicle wraps

Signage of the future

As technology evolves more versatile, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient signage solutions and sign-making techniques will come into place. Space-age substrates and holograms may become a feature of signage to come – ensuring a more creative and exciting time for consumers, businesses and sign-designers alike.