Signage Design Guidelines

Signage Design Guidelines

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Applies to exterior, wayfinding and interior common area signage produced for CCOC. Does not apply to signage required by Fire Code or By-law (which has its own guidelines). Does not apply to temporary notices and posters, which have separate guidelines.

1. 1. Use graphics instead of text wherever possible for wayfinding
   2. Text must be bilingual
   3. Placement: as per United Nations Accessibility Design Manual:
      1. information panels between 0.90 m and 1.80 m
      2. unit numbers placed with centre line at a height between 1.40 m and 1.60 m
   4. Finishing: matte to prevent glare. No glass covers.
   5. Lettering:
      1. The size of lettering should be in proportion to the reading distance: 1 cm height to 1 m distance
      2. Character width to height ratio should be between 3:5 and 1:1
      3. Character stroke width to height ratio should be between 1:5 and 1:10
      4. Letters and signs should be raised at least 1 mm from the background, with rounded edges
      5. Smallest letter type should not be less than 15 mm
      6. Normal spacing between letters and words should be used.
      7. Font should be sans serif
   6. Colouring:
      1. Colour of signs should contrast with the surrounding surface so as to be clearly distinguishable
      2. Colours should fit within the CCOC colour palette (provided)
   7. Shape:
      1. Informational signage should be rectangular
      2. Warning signage should be triangular
      3. Interdictional signage should be circular
   8. Materials:
      1. All signage should be eco-friendly, durable, highly resistant to scratches and graffiti and good value for cost.

Approved by the M&C Committee February 2012