Signage is an integral part of communication all over the world. Shape and color are both universally recognized throughout the world, and traffic signage generally is the same shape and color in a lot of major countries, at least for the major signs like stop and yield. When developing traffic signage, commissions and groups should always recognize the general rules concerning shapes and color. This allows foreign visitors easier navigation, and this is especially important in countries where tourism plays a big part in the economy. Universally recognized signage makes things easier for the entire global community, and colors and shapes play a big part in this.
Signage colors usually follow general guidelines, and these are helpful when designing signs. It is important to remember, however, that not every country considers these guidelines when designing signage. Signs which are a red background with white letters are reserved for things like yield or stop signs, and for signs which forbid a specific action like No Parking or No stopping. Speed limits and parking instruction signs,like two hour parking, are usually seen with a white background and letters which are either black or red in color.
Traffic signage is intended to convey some type of information to motorists, and colors used in signage can help do that. Street signs and signs which give directions or other information are normally white letters on a green background. Signage for places like nature areas, state parks, campgrounds and forests, and most historic sites are brown in color, and the lettering is white. Signage that is orange in color with black letters usually involves construction, detours, or any other message intended to control the flow of traffic. A sign that is yellow, with the letters or pictures in black, is a sign warning of a danger or other hazardous condition like a curve or animal crossing. In America, signs which are a yellowish green fluorescent color with white or black letters is used to mark certain areas, such as a bike path, a pedestrian crossing, or a school zone. Highway signage which indicates available services and facilities such as gas stations, restaurants, emergency services, rest stops, and hotels are usually on a blue background with white letters.
Shapes also play an important part in signage, and these can be very helpful in understanding what a sign is conveying. There are a few basic shapes in signage, including the circle and the square, and each individual shape has a different meaning. Just like with colors, however, not all countries consider the basic guidelines when developing signage.
Square signage is used to inform, to help locate, and to improve public knowledge. Square signs are used to mark restrooms, information booths, identify objects or areas, and more. The purpose of the square shape in signage is to indicate that this sign holds useful or necessary information for everyone. Signage which is circular in shape usually is intended to instruct, prohibit, or stop something, just like a stop sign. When the shape of a sign is circular, this means that sign must be obeyed at all times. Circular signage includes entry prohibited and no non authorized personnel signs.
