Abstract
When the Mansfield University library’s Special Events and Customer Service Committee created a communications plan for the library, the opportunity presented itself to overhaul the library signs. Applying basic design principles of contrast, alignment, and repetition along with standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library improved the visual communications within the library. Patrons can now read signs from a distance and understand their purpose. Using common design elements, the library began presenting official library information more cohesively. Extending beyond signs, these design principles are now part of the library’s print publications and promotional items. With this consistency, the library brand is more easily recognizable both within the library and across campus. This article describes some basic elements of design and the process of redesigning the signs.
Highlights
Beginning in 2011, the Mansfield University Library’s Special Events and Customer Service Committee began the process of overhauling the library’s signs as part of a bigger project to improve communication between the library and its patrons
While Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines may not directly impact the signs a library creates, they do, depending on circumstances, provide design specifications that can lead to signs which clearly and quickly communicate information
The Mansfield library redesign project began after the Special Events and Customer Service Committee created a comprehensive communication plan that focused on all the ways the library conveys information to patrons
Summary
When the Mansfield University library’s Special Events and Customer Service Committee created a communications plan for the library, the opportunity presented itself to overhaul the library signs. Applying basic design principles of contrast, alignment, and repetition along with standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library improved the visual communications within the library. The library began presenting official library information more cohesively. Extending beyond signs, these design principles are part of the library’s print publications and promotional items. These design principles are part of the library’s print publications and promotional items With this consistency, the library brand is more recognizable both within the library and across campus. This article describes some basic elements of design and the process of redesigning the signs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
