Great signage is more than just looks. When it comes to signage, design often takes centre stage. Bold colours, creative layouts, and unique materials are all part of what makes signage eye-catching. However, the real power of signage lies in its function.
A well-designed sign should do more than look good, it should work. Whether it’s guiding customers, keeping people safe, or promoting your brand, the primary job of signage is to communicate clearly and effectively.
Why Function matters in signage
Every sign has a job to do. From retail displays and office branding to construction warnings and event directions, signage needs to deliver information quickly and clearly.
If a customer walks past your shopfront because they didn’t see your sign, or a delivery gets delayed because wayfinding wasn’t clear, then the sign didn’t do its job. That’s where function comes first.
What makes a Functional sign?
Signage should fit its environment, audience, and purpose. Here’s how we make function the foundation of our design:
Readability
Large, clear fonts, appropriate colour contrast, and clean layouts make sure your message is seen and understood.
Visibility
Whether your sign is viewed from a moving car, across a busy venue, or in poor lighting – we make sure it stands out.
Compliance
From safety signs to accessibility standards, our team ensures all regulatory boxes are ticked. We have a full range of accreditations and we are pre-approved on several purchasing frameworks. Our projects are installed by our highly experienced PASMA, IPAF and CSCS certified fitting teams, ensuring projects are completed safely and to a high standard.
Placement
Even the best design fails if it’s not in the right place. We help you install signage where it will be most effective, both visually and strategically.
Materials
From durable outdoor options to premium finishes for interiors, it is important to choose materials that support your sign’s purpose, environment, and longevity. Whether you’re looking for something more sustainable and environmentally friendly or something that will simply last through wear and tear, the materials are just as important as other factors in the function of your sign (and how long it lasts).
Common signage pitfalls to avoid
Unfortunately, not all signage companies create signage with function in mind. Common issues include:
– Signs that are beautiful but too hard to read
– Visual clutter that confuses rather than informs
– Incorrect installation height or location
– Missing key information, like directions or contact details
Our function-first approach
At Graphic Signs, we’ve solved these issues for hundreds of businesses across sectors. We think beyond aesthetics, using our experience to ensure every sign delivers results. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we ask:
– What message are you trying to communicate?
– Who’s reading this sign?
– Where will it be seen?
– What action should the viewer take?
From there, our expert team crafts custom signage that aligns with your goals, your brand, and your space.
Let’s make your signage work smarter
At Graphic Signs, we specialise in signage that looks great and performs even better. Whether you need internal office signs, exterior shopfront signs, vehicle graphics, or health & safety signage, we’re here to help you achieve clarity, consistency, and impact.
Contact the Graphic Signs team to start your project today!