Inclusivity has been a long-fought and debated topic. Since the early 18th and 19th centuries, activists have advocated for equal rights and the accessibility of public spaces for people of all abilities. With changing times, different ability ,equality, inclusion, and belonging have seen a significant increase in importance and consideration. As such, organisations are attempting to make their facilities more inclusive and welcoming for one and all. The International Symbol of Access was the first ISO-certified inclusive symbol created in 1968. Since then, many additions and improvements have been made to make public places not only accessible to differently abled but also truly inclusive and accepting. According to United Nations Article 9 – Accessibility, all buildings must have signage in Braille and easily understandable forms. To protect the freedom and rights of differently abled, inclusive signage is not only required but also mandated. 

Inclusivity in Signage: The Know Hows 

Inclusivity can take many forms; it can refer to any special physical, mental, or gender-based requirement. Signage has always been integral to both large and small establishments, but strategists must now consider incorporating more signs that are for people with special or different needs. These signages must be placed as per the governmental guidelines, and they should not entertain anything beyond accepted pictograms and signs. Differently abled (hearing, vision, physical, mental, etc.), the elderly, the LGBTQ+ community, people of other nationalities, and so on are some of the groups to consider before strategizing for inclusive signage. To accommodate everyone, there must be a unified strategy that works for everyone without crowding the space or confusing the visitors with a wide array of signage.  

Best Practices When Designing Inclusive Signage 

Unified Imagery and Text 

When designing inclusive signage, it is critical to understand and consider all types of people with different needs who may visit the facility. For example, using braille signs or embossed signs alongside standard ones for blind people is one method of designing inclusive signage.  Many government agencies have established a list of specific images that can be used for the differently abled, so incorporating that into signage is critical to designing the right inclusive signage.  The text should be delivered in both local and widely accepted languages for everyone to understand. Pictograms should be used to guide those who cannot read. 

Smart Placement for Easy Visibility for All 

Placement is critical for inclusive signs because if the right person cannot see the signage, the entire purpose is defeated. When installing inclusive signage throughout the property, consider things like visibility constraints, colour blindness, wheelchair confinement, and other such visitor personas before finalising the placement.

In essence, the placement should be at eye level, either standing or sitting, with plenty of light for easy viewing. The material and size of the signage are also crucial for the placements to deliver the best outcomes.

Gender-Neutral Language to Accommodate All

It has become critical to select the appropriate words and symbols to address the world’s various gender pronouns. Thus, designing inclusive signage would necessitate the use of a neutral tone, colour scheme, and inclusive language.

Many buildings have adopted gender-neutral restrooms, but it is unclear how widely accepted this would be. All in all, gender-neutral vocabulary and spaces such as restrooms must be included in the building from both a signage and design perspective.

How are Inclusive Signs Beneficial? Here are some of the unrivalled advantages that inclusive signage can offer:

●Easy navigation: Because public facilities can be very busy and crowded, accommodating and assisting everyone can be a difficult task. Thus, with the help of inclusive signage, the differently abled will be able to navigate freely with little to no assistance needed if they are visiting alone.

●Better for branding: Inclusive signage can nurture excellent brand reputation and recognition for facilities, whether they are retail stores or public buildings. Inclusive signs and architecture are a great way to improve the visitor experience and earn the public’s loyalty and trust.

●Future ready: Using inclusive signs is required by law in a few countries across the globe. However, most countries are taking slow yet steady steps towards becoming more inclusive and respectful of people with different needs. Thus, for any new signage strategy, being foresighted and using inclusive signage is a good way forward.

●Enhanced accessibility: Accessibility throughout the building is greatly improved thanks to inclusive signage. If an establishment uses these signs in accordance with inclusive design, everyone can easily access the entire facility.

Already using signage but unsure how to incorporate inclusive signage to create a synchronous design? We at Cosign can assist you in navigating this critical challenge by providing modular signage that complements your current decorum. With three decades of experience, we specialise in bulk signage delivery, making it simple for you to transform your entire facility into a more inclusive space. Get in touch with us to know more.