Signage Best Practices and Policies (draft)

Owned by Autumn Sunshine (Unlicensed)
Last updated: May 28, 2017Version comment
16 min read

Scope and Definitions

Such scope, very wow.

Kiosks and Electronic Signage

Scope and Purpose

Valley Library uses its digital signage (kiosk slides) to promote events, activities, services, and announcements pertaining to OSU Libraries and Press. The library does not accept announcements or advertisements from outside the library, unless the event is related to OSU Libraries and Press. The University Librarian and Associate University Librarians may make exceptions to display content from campus partners.

Equipment and Locations

Circulation Screen. One screen is located above the self-checkout machine in the circulation area on the second floor of the Valley Library. This screen is dedicated to circulation-related topics such as room reservation availability, equipment available for checkout and announcements. Slides incorporate text, graphics, and animation, but not sound.

Touchscreen Kiosks. There is one stand alone kiosk located in the second floor lobby. This kiosk will display library-wide slides related to OSULP collections, services, events, and news; with exceptions for items that further the library’s mission of cultivating superior scholarship and creativity, empowering discovery, and preserving and disseminating knowledge (exceptions can be made by the LEAD department head, AUL/UL). Slides currently incorporate text, graphics, and animation. The kiosks have the ability to produce sound, but we are not offering that as a function at this time.

Donor Wall Screen. There is a screen located in the middle of the donor wall on the west wall of the entrance to the building.  This screen is only to be used to promote information about OSULP donors. The University Librarian and Associate University Librarians may make exceptions to display other content or to stream videos.

Content Submission Workflow

Ideally, submit content two weeks prior to the beginning display date. Please give as much lead-time as possible. Keep in mind that digital slides usually stay up for 10 seconds, and that detailed text and long URLs are not appropriate for digital signs. 

Send the following information to: library.graphics@oregonstate.edu.

  1. Headline of the slide
  2. Body content or suggested text (announcement, event, promotion of collection or service)
    1. If it is an event, add the dates and times of the event and any other pertinent information.
    2. Consider whether to include a URL or other call to action.
    3. Images or suggested images. If you are including images, see "Design Guidelines" in the next section.
    4. Date to begin display, date to end display of slide. The end date is the last day through which the slide will display.
    5. On which kiosk you are requesting it to appear? 
      1. Circulation kiosk  (for Circulation-related content only)
      2. Touchscreen kiosks on the second and fourth floors (for all other Libraries and Press content)
      3. Expect a reply within 48 hours of your emailed submission.

Graphic design students will work with your idea to create a visually engaging slide that adheres to design guidelines outlined below. 

Once you approve the design, graphic design students will send the slide to valley.circ@oregonstate.edu. Autumn Sunshine (primary coordinator) and Kelly Holcomb (backup) are the Circulation staff responsible for administering all the kiosks. One of them will respond to the email and post the content. All email communications about loading or removing kiosk slides should be directed to valley.circ@oregonstate.edu.

Design Guidelines

General Guidelines: Keep slides simple. Too many words will not be easy to read (10–12 words per slide is recommended by one guideline). It’s okay to use multiple slides in a series to get your point across. Use a communication hierarchy. Headlines are the most important copy – so make sure they convey as much of your message as possible.

Branding, fonts and colors: Digital signage is required to conform to the OSU Brand Identity Guidelines. Digital Signage will use the Web Color palette from the OSU Brand Identity Guidelines. Use the OSU fonts from the Brand Identity Guidelines.

Font sizes: Use fonts that are large enough to be easily visible from several feet away.  San serif fonts are usually a bit easier to read on digital signs.

Size for kiosk slides:  1,200 pixels wide by 600 high 

Resolution:  72 PPI

File formats:  Slides can be made in any program; then export the slide as a .jpg or a .png.

Other Content Submission

If you have an idea for new permanent content, or an idea for making slides more interactive, please let us know.  We may not be able to implement your idea, but we will be in touch. 

Send the following information to library.graphics@oregonstate.edu.

  1. Description and text for the kiosk slide.
  2. Images to provide a visual description of what you’re talking about – if available. 
  3. On which kiosk you are requesting it to appear? 
    1. Circulation kiosk  (for Circulation-related content only)
    2. Touchscreen kiosks on the second and fourth floors (for all other Libraries and Press content)
    3. Donor kiosk
    4. Expect a reply within several days of your emailed submission acknowledging receipt of your email.  A graphic design intern will usually contact the client about the project within two weeks.

Permanent Signage

Don't hold your breath, this part is going to take a while.

Temporary Signage

Overview

Temporary signage encompasses all of the printed replaceable signage placed on walls, in sign holders (e.g. wall mounted, floor stands, easels, acrylic stands, picture frames) that is intended to be displayed for less than one year or is made of disposable materials (paper, decal, label, or poster board).

Graphic Design

Temporary signs should follow the Oregon State University Brand Identity Guidelines and derivative Oregon State University Libraries and Press brand guidelines.

Small signs

  • Page size should be (TBD) unless designed for a specific sign holder
  • Headline font should be (TBD) XXpt
  • Body font should be (TBD) XXpt
  • Colors should be
    • Background
    • Text
  • Graphics should be actual photos of OSUL&P places, people, and things or OSU Brand Identity Icons
    • OSUL&P photos are available in the Communications and Marketing folder on the CN share drive
  • Whenever possible temporary signage should include QR code and bit.ly url that links to the relevant policy or informational page on the OSUL&P website

Layout

 Diagram

Put a picture here!

Poster signs

Informational posters are intended to provide informational graphic instructions for complex tasks, inform patrons on library policies and procedures, and promote library services. They should be used in place of signs with large amounts of text, or multiple smaller signs, to provide instruction in complex processes whenever possible. They also provide a larger and more versatile platform to promote the library's policies and services when needed. The design of these posters can vary widely depending on the intended message so there are not strict guidelines but they should conform to the OSU Brand Identity Guidelines and OSUL&P specific branding.

Layout

 Examples

Picture of infographic prototype

Promotional poster (maybe like the 3d printing one? Or the "protect your posessions" one?)

Policy (quiet floors?)

Language

Text should be written in simple, plain language that reflects how the target audience communicates. Small signs should be limited to around XX words, and informational posters should use the minimum amount of text needed to convey the message to the audience.

Materials

Small temporary signs and wall mountable posters will be sent to SMS to be printed on their luster/semigloss paper. Posters that are meant to be free-standing should be printed on luster/semigloss paper and mounted to (poster board/alligator board)

 Template based ad-hoc signs can be printed on standard copy paper.

Placement

Will have to synthesize accessibility standards etc. and lit review results, should maybe go in the signage coordinator's manual portion?

Requesting

  1. Staff can request temporary signs be produced using (online form link?)
    1. Requests should include...
  2. The Signage Coordinator in LEAD will approve the sign for production and forward the form to LG&M or as for further information from the requester
  3. Graphic design interns will create the sign
  4. LG&M will send the files to SMS for production and the Signage Coordinator for retention.
  5. The requesting department's index will be billed for the cost of printing the sign.
  6. The Signage coordinator will accept delivery of the final product and have the sign mounted or placed in the library per the original request.

Retention

The Signage Coordinator will accept the original, editable, files for temporary signs and retain them on the CN share drive for at least one year. The Sign Coordinator will also maintain an inventory of temporary signage including expiration dates for temporary signs and insure the timely removal or updating of expired signage.

Templates

Templates for ad-hoc, short term, temporary signage are provided by LG&M and can be downloaded from here or the CN share drive. These are basic editable files in (publisher? word? PSD?) format that are intended to be printed on copy paper and act as interim signs for the time it takes to produce a more official temporary sign or to inform customers about very short term changes or issues.

There are also pre-produced temporary signs for a variety of common scenarios such as (out of order, space closed, inclement weather, etc.) available for (download and/or pre-made in sign coordinator storage spot? Maybe the black supply cabinets?)

 Downloads

Template links (attachments) 

Pre-made links (attachments)

CN share location

Other Types

Directories

Need more info, I think Don Frier does a lot of this stuff but maybe this should be moved to wayfinding and kept in line with the rest of our graphic design guidelines?

Hours

 

The acrylic sign holders that display the library's open hours at the front and Java II entrances are managed by the Hours Coordinator in the Circulation Department under LEAD. See the LEAD Staff Contacts by Task page or email valley.circ@oregonstate.edu for more information.

Promotional Poster Holders

Elevators

Managed by the library Administrative Assistant contact info

Lobby

Managed by the library Administrative Assistant ( ? ) Contact info

Learning Commons

Managed by Uta?

Public Postings

See OSUL&P Policy on Displays

References

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Full text

 CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES

703 Signs

703.1 General. Signs shall comply with 703. Where both visual and tactile characters are required, either one sign with both visual and tactile characters, or two separate signs, one with visual, and one with tactile characters, shall be provided.

703.2 Raised Characters. Raised characters shall comply with 703.2 and shall be duplicated in braille complying with 703.3. Raised characters shall be installed in accordance with 703.4.

Advisory 703.2 Raised Characters. Signs that are designed to be read by touch should not have sharp or abrasive edges.

703.2.1 Depth. Raised characters shall be 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their background.

703.2.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase.

703.2.3 Style. Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.2.4 Character Proportions. Characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the uppercase letter "O" is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter "I".

703.2.5 Character Height. Character height measured vertically from the baseline of the character shall be 5/8 inch (16 mm) minimum and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum based on the height of the uppercase letter "I".

EXCEPTION: Where separate raised and visual characters with the same information are provided, raised character height shall be permitted to be 1/2 inch (13 mm) minimum.
 

 

Figure 703.2.5 Height of Raised Characters

703.2.6 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter "I" shall be 15 percent maximum of the height of the character.

703.2.7 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Where characters have rectangular cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters shall be 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum. Where characters have other cross sections, spacing between individual raised characters shall be 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum at the base of the cross sections, and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) minimum and 4 times the raised character stroke width maximum at the top of the cross sections. Characters shall be separated from raised borders and decorative elements 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum.

703.2.8 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of raised characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the raised character height.

703.3 Braille. Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) and shall comply with 703.3 and 703.4.

703.3.1 Dimensions and Capitalization. Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.3.1. The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, and acronyms.

Table 703.3.1 Braille Dimensions

Measurement Range

Minimum in Inches
Maximum in Inches

Dot base diameter

0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm)

Distance between two dots in the same cell1

0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells1

0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm)

Dot height

0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm)

Distance between corresponding dotsfrom one cell directly below1

0.395 (10 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm)

1. Measured center to center.

  Six Braille cells are shown indicating what is meant by

Figure 703.3.1 Braille Measurement

703.3.2 Position. Braille shall be positioned below the corresponding text. If text is multi-lined, braille shall be placed below the entire text. Braille shall be separated 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other tactile characters and 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements.

EXCEPTION: Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) minimum and shall be located either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.
 

 

Figure 703.3.2 Position of Braille

703.4 Installation Height and Location. Signs with tactile characters shall comply with 703.4.

703.4.1 Height Above Finish Floor or Ground. Tactile characters on signs shall be located 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the lowest tactile character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground surface, measured from the baseline of the highest tactile character.

EXCEPTION: Tactile characters for elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with 703.4.1.
 

A tactile sign is shown mounted with the baseline of the lowest characters 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum and the baseline of the highest characters 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the finish floor.  

Figure 703.4.1 Height of Tactile Characters Above Finish Floor or Ground

703.4.2 Location. Where a tactile sign is provided at a door, the sign shall be located alongside the door at the latch side. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. Where a tactile sign is provided at double doors with two active leafs, the sign shall be located to the right of the right hand door. Where there is no wall space at the latch side of a single door or at the right side of double doors, signs shall be located on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing tactile characters shall be located so that a clear floor space of 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.

EXCEPTION: Signs with tactile characters shall be permitted on the push side of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.

A sign with tactile characters is mounted so that clear floor space 18 by 18 inches (455 by 455 mm) minimum, centered on the tactile characters, is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the closed position and 45 degree open position.  

Figure 703.4.2 Location of Tactile Signs at Doors

703.5 Visual Characters. Visual characters shall comply with 703.5.

EXCEPTION: Where visual characters comply with 703.2 and are accompanied by braille complying with 703.3, they shall not be required to comply with 703.5.2 through 703.5.9.

703.5.1 Finish and Contrast. Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

Advisory 703.5.1 Finish and Contrast. Signs are more legible for persons with low vision when characters contrast as much as possible with their background. Additional factors affecting the ease with which the text can be distinguished from its background include shadows cast by lighting sources, surface glare, and the uniformity of the text and its background colors and textures.

703.5.2 Case. Characters shall be uppercase or lowercase or a combination of both.

703.5.3 Style. Characters shall be conventional in form. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.5.4 Character Proportions. Characters shall be selected from fonts where the width of the uppercase letter "O" is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter "I".

703.5.5 Character Height. Minimum character height shall comply with Table 703.5.5. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign. Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter "I".
 

Table 703.5.5 Visual Character Height (text version)

Height to Finish Floor or Ground From

Baseline of Character

Horizontal Viewing Distance

Minimum Character Height

40 inches (1015 mm) to less

than or equal to 70 inches

(1780 mm)

less than 72 inches (1830 mm)

5/8 inch (16 mm)

72 inches (1830 mm) and greater

5/8 inch (16 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 72 inches (1830 mm)

Greater than 70 inches (1780 mm) to less than or equal to 120 inches (3050 mm)

less than 180 inches (4570 mm)

2 inches (51 mm)

180 inches (4570 mm) and greater

2 inches (51 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 180 inches (4570 mm)

greater than 120 inches

(3050 mm)

less than 21 feet (6400 mm)

3 inches (75 mm)

21 feet (6400 mm) and greater

3 inches (75 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 21 feet (6400 mm)

703.5.6 Height From Finish Floor or Ground. Visual characters shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground.

EXCEPTION: Visual characters indicating elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with 703.5.6.

703.5.7 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter "I" shall be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent maximum of the height of the character.

703.5.8 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual characters shall be 10 percent minimum and 35 percent maximum of character height.

703.5.9 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the character height.

703.6 Pictograms. Pictograms shall comply with 703.6.

703.6.1 Pictogram Field. Pictograms shall have a field height of 6 inches (150 mm) minimum. Characters and braille shall not be located in the pictogram field.
 

The field height for a men's room pictogram is shown to be 6 inches (150 mm) minimum. Tactile and Braille characters are located below, outside the pictogram field.  

Figure 703.6.1 Pictogram Field

703.6.2 Finish and Contrast. Pictograms and their field shall have a non-glare finish. Pictograms shall contrast with their field with either a light pictogram on a dark field or a dark pictogram on a light field.
 

Advisory 703.6.2 Finish and Contrast. Signs are more legible for persons with low vision when characters contrast as much as possible with their background. Additional factors affecting the ease with which the text can be distinguished from its background include shadows cast by lighting sources, surface glare, and the uniformity of the text and background colors and textures.

703.6.3 Text Descriptors. Pictograms shall have text descriptors located directly below the pictogram field. Text descriptors shall comply with 703.2, 703.3 and 703.4.

703.7 Symbols of Accessibility. Symbols of accessibility shall comply with 703.7.

703.7.1 Finish and Contrast. Symbols of accessibility and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Symbols of accessibility shall contrast with their background with either a light symbol on a dark background or a dark symbol on a light background.

Advisory 703.7.1 Finish and Contrast. Signs are more legible for persons with low vision when characters contrast as much as possible with their background. Additional factors affecting the ease with which the text can be distinguished from its background include shadows cast by lighting sources, surface glare, and the uniformity of the text and background colors and textures.

703.7.2 Symbols.

703.7.2.1 International Symbol of Accessibility. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Figure 703.7.2.1.

Pictogram that shows the simplified profile of a person seated in a wheelchair.  

Figure 703.7.2.1 International Symbol of Accessibility

703.7.2.2 International Symbol of TTY. The International Symbol of TTY shall comply with Figure 703.7.2.2.

Pictogram of a TTY showing the keyboard and space bar typical of most devices and the shape of a telephone handset at the top.  

Figure 703.7.2.2 International Symbol of TTY

703.7.2.3 Volume Control Telephones. Telephones with a volume control shall be identified by a pictogram of a telephone handset with radiating sound waves on a square field such as shown in Figure 703.7.2.3.

Pictogram of a telephone handset in profile with radiating sound waves.  

Figure 703.7.2.3 Volume Control Telephone

703.7.2.4 Assistive Listening Systems. Assistive listening systems shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with Figure 703.7.2.4.

Pictogram with the shape of an ear and a bar diagonally across the shape.  

Figure 703.7.2.4 International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss

Accessibility Best Practices for OSU

Full text

 Section 01 10 02: Accessibility Best Practices for OSU

Communication Elements and features

  1. Parking Signage
    1. See Sect. 01 10 02 - Design Specification for accessible parking signage.
  2. Exterior Signage
    1. When all entrances are not accessible, provide signage that directs people to the accessible entrances.
    2. Accessible entrances shall have the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) signage installed.
  3. Interior Signage
    1. Provide room numbers on all rooms in both raised text and Braille.
    2. In addition, provide room names in both raised text and Braille at all permanent rooms (where the name of the room is not expected to change).
    3. Visual and tactile signage indicating the floor level should be provided at all stairwells.
    4. Provide the International Symbol of Accessibility on all restroom signage. (OSSC does not require the International Symbol of Accessibility if all restrooms are accessible.)
    5. Provide Grade 2 Braille on all signage required to have Braille. This is an abbreviated form of Braille.
    6. The base of all raised text and Braille is to be located between a height of 48” and 60” (New ADA requirement).
    7. Where pictograms are used, raised text and Braille should be located below the pictogram.
    8. All doors with automatic door operators should have signage on the door indicating that it is an automatic door. The signage should be on both sides of the door.
  4. Tactile Exit Signs - Provide tactile exit signs wherever visual exit signs are required. The tactile exit signs should be located adjacent to the latch side of doors or openings at a height between 48" and 60". Exit signs shall be provided as follows:
    1. "EXIT" where exit signs lead to a safe exterior space.
    2. "EXIT STAIR DOWN (or UP)" where exit signs lead to stairs leading to an exit.
    3. "EXIT RAMP DOWN (or UP)" where exit signs lead to ramps leading to an exit.
    4. "EXIT ROUTE" at locations where lit exit signs direct a person to an exit but not directly to a safe exterior space.

OSU Construction Standards

Full text (need to find link to newer version and replace copy/paste in expand section)

 Section 10 14 00: Signage Part 2: Interior Signage

PART 2:  INTERIOR SIGNS

  1. REQUIREMENTS
    1. OSU has an interior sign system that is consistent with all new and remodeled campus buildings constructed since 1991.
    2. This sign system has been manufactured by R3 Engraving & Signs or Jessie Beam of Corvallis but will be changing in 2014. The signs are a vandal resistant system, meet existing ADA regulations and OSU requirements for graphic clarity. Sign colors are left up to the building design team; however the size, shape and style will remain consistent with other interior building signage. Similar signs from their companies may be substituted.
    3. All signage shall follow the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and OSU Construction Standards Section 01 10 02 Accessibility Best Practices for OSU.
    4. Provide room numbers on all rooms.
    5. The use of self-luminous exit signs containing radioactive material is prohibited unless specifically approved by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).

  2. TYPES OF INTERIOR SIGNS
    1. Exit Signs
      1. Tactile Exit Signs
        1. See Section 01 10 02 Accessibility Best Practices for OSU.
    2. Stairwell Floor Level Signs
      1. See Section 01 10 02 Accessibility Best Practices for OSU -signage requirements for floor level designation in stairwells.
    3. Room Hazard Signage
      1. Utilize Module 8.11 (wall mount) to accommodate an 8.5 in. x 11 in. insert; inserts to be provided by Environmental Health & Safety (EH & S).
      2. Signs to be mounted at each room entrance
      3. Signs to be 49 in. high (to sign bottom) on door knob side and below room number signage
    4. Emergency Evacuation Sign
      1. All campus buildings shall have building evacuation signs posted on every occupied floor. 
        1. The signs shall be posted at all stairway and elevator landings and immediately inside all public entrances to the building.
        2. The insert for the holder shall conform to the following criteria to comply with state regulations:
          1. Show floor plan for the level on which it is placed. It should be easy to see immediately by someone entering that floor of the building.
          2. Place signs no more than 4 feet above finished floor.
          3. Make sign’s lettering at least 3/16 inch high in a sans-serif font. The words shall be in sharp contrast to the background and easy to read.
          4. Include emergency procedure information for those with disabilities.
          5. Indicate the locations of exits and fire alarm pull stations.
          6. If there are elevators on the floor, state they are not to be used during emergencies.
          7. Other pertinent information may be added to the sign, such as location of fire extinguishers, hazardous material spill kits, or emergency preparedness equipment.
    5. Restroom signs
      1. For all single-user restrooms:  This sign is in the process of being reviewed, so verify with OSU Project Manager.