SIGNS & WAYFINDING

1. What is “wayfinding”?

Wayfinding is the process or system people use to orient themselves in a physical environment and navigate from one place to another.

It often involves signs, maps, symbols, directions, landmarks, spatial layout, lighting, color cues, or other visual information that helps people understand where they are, where they are going, and how to get there.

In kid-friendly spaces like pediatric offices, healthcare clinics, childcare centers, and family attractions, wayfinding can include directional signs, colored room labels, wall graphics, themed welcome signs, themed characters pointing the way, floor markers, and exterior 3D landmarks.

Learn how to keep guests on track with 7 types of fun wayfinding signage from our blog.

2. How does custom wayfinding improve a kid-friendly space?

Custom wayfinding helps children and families feel more comfortable, confident, and in control as they move through a space. For children, unfamiliar environments can feel overwhelming, especially in healthcare, dental, or childcare settings where they may already feel nervous. Clear, friendly signage gives them visual reassurance and helps reduce uncertainty.

In kid-friendly spaces, themed signs, colors, characters, icons, wall graphics, and landmarks can make navigation feel less intimidating and more engaging. Instead of feeling like they are being moved through a confusing building, children can recognize visual cues, follow familiar characters, and understand what comes next.

Good wayfinding can also support independence by helping children identify important areas like reception, restrooms, play spaces, treatment rooms, and exits. For parents and caregivers, it reduces stress by making the environment easier to understand and navigate.

When designed well, custom wayfinding does more than point people in the right direction. It creates a sense of calm, predictability, and trust while making the entire space feel more welcoming, organized, and child-centered.

3. Do you offer both indoor and outdoor signs?

Yes. IDS creates both indoor and outdoor signs, including exterior building signs, monument and pylon signs, interior 3D signs, wall-mounted signs, directional signs, and 2D graphics.

Signs can be designed using materials suited to the location and purpose of the project. Outdoor signs may use durable, weather-resistant materials built to handle sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, and everyday exposure. Indoor signs may include dimensional lettering, sculpted 3D elements, acrylic, PVC, printed graphics, wall-mounted panels, decals, or other materials selected for appearance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Each sign can be customized to match your brand, theme, facility layout, and visitor experience goals. Whether the goal is to make a building easier to identify from the outside or help families navigate the inside of a space, IDS can create signage that is both functional and visually engaging.

4. What types of custom signs and wayfinding does IDS create?

IDS designs and fabricates custom themed signs and wayfinding elements for kid-friendly spaces, including exterior building signs, monument signs, pylon signs, 3D interior signs, 2D wall graphics, directional signs, welcome signs, room signs, and branded signage.

5. Can the signs match our existing office theme or brand?

Yes. IDS can design signage to match your existing office theme, brand colors, logo, characters, murals, landmarks, and interior design style. Signs can be playful, professional, educational, decorative, or fully integrated into a larger themed environment.

6. How do we get pricing for custom signs?