bc-rural-network-signage

Community signage : 

Connecting visitors to product and enhancing their experience through community signage Community signage Nicole Vaugeois TRIP Project Coordinator Malaspina University-College Vaugeois@mala.ca

The road ahead… : 

The road ahead… The importance of strong signage Examples of strong signage Steps to enhancing community signage Resources to help you succeed

What is a Sign? : 

What is a Sign? “An inscribed board, plate or space that provides information, warning or guidance.” (Trapp, Gross & Zimmerman, 1994)

Your experience… : 

Your experience… We all know it when we experience it! How was the signage to this community or to today’s activities? What is your general assessment of signage in your own community?

Slide 5: 

What is bad signage? What is the experience like when we encounter bad signage?

Slide 6: 

What is good signage? What is the experience like when we encounter good signage?

Our observations in BC… : 

Our observations in BC… Inconsistent signage – results in poor impressions, confusion Inadequate signage – results in frustration, anxiety Limited links to marketing materials – lack of follow through to reach products

Why is community signage important for tourism development? : 

Why is community signage important for tourism development? Creates a positive first impression and enhances visitor experience Results in safer environment for visitors Showcases and highlights the pathways to tourism products in regions and communities

Good signage results in… : 

Good signage results in… Enhances Access – directional, informational or both, advance notice, facilitate safe decisions Improves Visitor Experience – paired with maps, relieves stress, affirms location and helps travelers make informed decisions Boosts Visitation – informs, entices, identifies attractions, events and businesses, and allows them to learn more

Key Point : 

Key Point For any community that is serious about tourism, building greater visitor accessibility and convenience is critical to industry development.

Show the way… : 

Show the way… Visitors are WAYFINDING by Seeing Reading Hearing Learning Destinations should be WAYSHOWING by… Drawing Writing Speaking Teaching

Does your community/region… : 

Does your community/region… Have an inventory of all the signage that is currently directing visitors? Have an idea of how your signage is impacting visitor experience? Have a community signage plan to install and maintain wayfinding infrastructure? Coordinate maps in visitor guides with consistent signage on the ground?

Types of Signage : 

Types of Signage Entrance signs Information signs Service and attraction signs Tourist oriented directional signs (TODS) Business logo signs Interpretive signs

A community signage program : 

A community signage program Uses all types of signage Ensures there are no gaps for the visitor Uses consistent signage (colours, theme)

Slide 16: 

Visitors need clear and consistent signage to show them, remind them and direct them to products and resources in the community.

Examples of Regional Signage Programs : 

Examples of Regional Signage Programs BC Provincial Parks – symbol system Agri-tourism & Wine Tourism Signage

Examples of Community Signage : 

Examples of Community Signage Village of Clinton use of western themed heritage Gold Rush Circle Tour (Cariboo) Links products in the region with consistent signage

6 Steps to Help You Create a Community Signage Program : 

6 Steps to Help You Create a Community Signage Program Step #1 - Create an inventory of your signage Step #2 - Get the visitor’s perspective Step #3 - Determine what should stay and what needs to go… Step #4 - Determine responsibilities Step #5 - Develop and set up signage Step #6 - Monitor effectiveness

Helpful Resources : 

Helpful Resources Welcome: A Manual to enhance community signage and visitor experience. Tourism Research Innovation Project www.trip-project.ca BC Ministry of Transportation: Regional Contacts BC Ministry of Transportation: Provincial Sign Shop Tourism BC Sign Association of Canada Ministry of Transportation Sign Catalogue Service & Attraction Sign Manual (January 2005) A Directional Signing Program for Tourist Services, Facilities and Attractions Policy Manual for Supplemental Signs Ministry of Transportation Engineering Branch