Review of Sign Standards

Transcription

1 Chapter 7 Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Review of Sign Standards for Alberta Parks Properties in 7.i the David Thompson Corridor

2 Visitor Services Development Plan for the David Thompson Corridor Prepared by EcoLeaders Interpretation and Environmental Education Box D82, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 phone: (604) ii

3 Contents Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Introduction 7.1 Standards 7.3 Sign Standards 7.3 Goals and Criteria for Design 7.3 Overview of Alberta Parks Sign System 7.5 Park Identification 7.5 Guide, Education and Orientation System (GEO System) 7.5 Boundary Signs 7.5 Plans and Program Management 7.5 Design Elements Typography Colour The Alberta Parks Word-mark The Alberta Government identifier (logomark) Directional Arrow Graphics Recreation Symbols Specific Grid Formats 7.7 A Guide to the Alberta Parks Sign Program Manual 7.8 Table 7.1: Review of Alberta Parks Sign Program Manual 7.8 A Summary of Key Components of the Alberta Parks Sign Program of Relevance to Visitor Services Staff Sign Text 7.11 Sign Text Fonts 7.11 Font Families and Styles 7.11 Typography 7.11 Fonts Sizes 7.12 Sign Colour 7.13 Alberta Parks Wordmark 7.18 Identification Sign Version 7.18 GEO System Version 7.19 Wayside Exhibit Version iii

4 Visitor Services Development Plan for the David Thompson Corridor 7.iv

5 Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Introduction The ways that Alberta Parks presents itself to visitors says much about its mission and work. Following a set of sign standards is an important tool for consistent readable, visually communication. The Alberta Sign Program Manual is an important tool for Visitor Services staff. It represents a compendium of best practice in sign design based on technical research on readability, legibility and communications plus years of practical experience by professional sign designers. It is available to staff and contractors through the main Alberta Parks office in Edmonton. Visitor Services staff generally do not have training in graphic design and they may not appreciate the importance of consistency of design and the central place of colour, fonts and design in maintaining and building the Alberta Parks image and brand throughout the David Thompson Corridor and throughout Alberta, Canada and the world. The Alberta Parks Sign Program was developed by one of North America s leading graphic design firms who s staff have not only a keen sense of design but also extensive experience in developing sign systems that are highly legible and readable. The Alberta Parks Sign Program Manual is a field-guide to consistent and effective sign design that will guide Alberta Parks staff in the design and production of top-notch information/orientation and interpretive signs. Because the Manual is all-inclusive ranging from standards for road direction signs to complex interpretive signs, this chapter was written to cover only signs standards that are likely to be of importance to Visitor Services projects in the David Thompson Corridor. This will reduce the amount of review that Visitor Services staff will need to do in order to apply sign standards. However, staff that work regularly with the development of signs should use a full copy of the standards manual. Important components of the Alberta Parks Sign Program are described and the relative importance of each section to Visitor Services staff in the David Thompson Corridor is discussed and suggestions on how some signs can be used may be included. Sign standards have importance to most of the Alberta Parks properties in this plan. They are discussed once here in Section 1 of this plan to avoid duplication in the Program Statement/Implementation chapters in later sections of the plan. 7.1

6 Overview An update of Alberta Park s information/orientation and interpretive sign program began in early It creates a stronger visual identity for Alberta Parks. Staff and visitors of nearly 100 Alberta Parks properties were consulted. The result of this work is the Alberta Parks Sign Program. This document provides guidance for park managers and Visitor Services staff on the planning, design fabrication of all park signs including interpretation and information/ orientation panels. According to the program designers, Meeker and Associates, the sign system is designed to establish a strong standard visual consistency and utility while maintaining cost efficiency and durability (www. meekerdesigns.com/design-standards/appa.php). Alberta Parks may develop a web-based management system for planning, documentation, ordering, manufacturing, and program maintenance. Alberta Parks in the David Thompson Corridor has a large land base and small staff. Here, signs are a frequently used means of communicating with park visitors. Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Goals and Criteria for Design The Alberta Parks Sign Program has the following goals: have a consistent Alberta Parks identity a system based on clear hierarchy of: - identification - information/orientation - information/orientation - interpretation target graphic and editorial content to first-time visitor incorporate orientation system into all visitor contacts (parks, trailheads, campgrounds, swimming areas, etc.) use standardized symbols in signs have a systematic approach to interpretation using standards for design and editorial approach have a standardized approach to planning and life cycle management based on consistent standards, including web based system for program management of each installation The Alberta Parks Sign Program was developed as a comprehensive, integrated system that: presents legible, timely and inviting signs provids uniform information/orientation in all Alberta Parks properties builds upon existing design tradition and identity of Alberta Parks maximizes public safety and reduce liability exposure accommodates change as the system and area plans mature and evolve procures, manages and maintains signs costeffectively provides design criteria that are sensitive to the character of the park landscapes 7.3

7 Visitor Services Development Plan for the David Thompson Corridor Figure 7.1 Park Identification sign designs Figure 7.2 Boundary sign designs. s e g a P e l mp Sa Figure 7.3 A selection of Guide, Education and Orientation (GEO) signs 7.4

8 Overview of Alberta Parks Sign System All signs conform to standard formats and typefaces, specified panel sizes and guidelines for mounting. This section identifies the major types of signs in the Alberta Parks Sign Program. They include: Park Identification This includes park entrance and primary park facility identification signs. Most parks will require only one park identification sign. It may be single or double faced depending on the configuration of the site. Visitor centers and other buildings may require signs as well as campgrounds and geographic areas that are subunits of a larger park. Guide, Education and Orientation System (GEO System) Most signs are this category. This system presents information in a consistent, attractive, convenient and flexible format. Information includes: motorist guidance on interior park roads traffic regulations trail and pedestrian guidance park regulations resource protection instructions and general information safety warnings maps interpretation GEO System signs may also identify parks (or park areas, features, or facilities). Generally, there are several standard options (panel size and hardware component configurations). The modular nature of GEO System signs allows content to be presented in discrete, easily understood eyefuls. The sign designs are based on research into effective ways that park visitors receive and incorporate information through text and graphics. Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Boundary Signs Identification of the park boundary takes two forms. The primary application is to define the perimeter of a protected area, provincial park or other type of facility in the agency, posting at an appropriate increment for clear definition of the boundary. This includes the Alberta Parks word-mark and the provincial government logomark. These are placed without additional rule panels or tags to reduce vandalism to the boundary posting. A second type of boundary sign is designed mostly for urban parks that have pedestrian entrances dispersed around the perimeter. These include a small park identification sign and a set of appropriate park rules. This design will be especially useful in the David Thompson Corridor where there are numerous trails that pass from public lands in Alberta Parks properties. People entering from outside the park should be informed of relevant park regulations. Plans and Program Management The Alberta Parks Sign Program regards park-level sign plans to be key to the programs effectiveness. A plan must be created for each park. The plan includes a sign inventory (including maps showing location and age and condition of signs) plus regular annual or weekly inspections (depending on the level of vandalism in an area and the importance of individual signs e.g., safety signs are much more important than some direction signs). In the Alberta Parks Sign Program, Chapter 3: Sign Planning, Design, and Documentation provides the specific instruction for planning and implementation, with specific details on selecting sign location, design, map design and the writing and design of interpretive wayside exhibits. The manual indicates that the requirements for revising sign plans and sign installations once developed is minimal. Changes will typically be limited to updates in prices on fee schedules, changes to procedures and possibly the addition of resource protection information issues based on local conditions related to wildlife or the environment including: bears, drought, fire, water safety, closures, etc. 7.5

9 Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards 6. Recreation Symbols These symbols are used across the province by all Alberta Parks sites. This consistency helps park visitors to learn meaning of and obey the symbols and see that all sites are under the same administration. Families of symbols include: general accommodation services recreation - water based - land-based - winter Implications for the Visitor Services Program in the David Thompson Corridor Visitor Services staff have a valuable tool in the Alberta Parks Sign Program manual. This document provides guidelines and templates for: information/orientation signs - it includes design templates for almost all common information signs - this saves staff time and money by eliminating the need to design these signs maps - includes a detailed tutorial that shows the steps required for developing effective information/orientation maps interpretive sign and outdoor exhibit panels - includes a detailed outline (Chapter 3, Section 3.4: Wayside Exhibit Guidelines) for planning, developing, fabricating, installing and maintaining interpretive signs This plan will enable Visitor Services staff to ensure that all signs developed will be: consistent with Alberta Parks design criteria - re-enforcing the Alberta Parks brand - conveying to visitors that the sites are well maintained and part of the Alberta Parks system highly accessible and legible A sample of they Alberta Sign Program s standardized recreation symbols. 7. Specific Grid Formats The Alberta Parks Sign Program provides a number of design templates for regular signs such as park entry signs. It also provides detailed instruction in the use of standardized grid systems which can aid Visitor Services staff in developing balanced, appealing interpretive panels and signs (see example from page from the Alberta Sign Program manual below) Grid Final Panel 7.7

10 Visitor Services Development Plan for the David Thompson Corridor Table 7.1: Review of Alberta Parks Sign Program Manual Importance to Chapter/Section Visitor Services Staff Chapter 1: Introduction to Sign Program 1.0 Introduction Goals and Criteria for Design Overview of the System Park and Facility Identification Signs GEO System Signs Essential (Guide, Education and Orientation) Boundary Structure Overviews Plans and Management Chapter 2: Graphic Standards 2.0 Introduction 2.1 Typography 2.2 AP Wordmark 2.3 Sign Colour 2.4 Recreation Symbols Essential 2.5 Directional Arrow Graphic for Guide Signs 2.6 Sign Layout and Grid Formats Identification Signs GEO System (Guidance, Education & Orientation) Heritage Appreciation (Interpretation) Boundary Chapter 3: Sign Planning, Design, and Documentation 3.0 Introduction Important 3.1 Sign Planning, Design and Documentation Very Important A Guide to the Alberta Parks Sign Program Manual This manual represents a compendium of best practice in sign design based on technical research on readability, legibility and communications plus years of practical experience by professional sign designers. Many of its chapters and chapter segments are highly useful for Visitor Services staff in the David Thompson Corridor, especially those involved with developing interpretive sign systems, outdoor exhibits and information/orientation and other information signs. Table 7.1 briefly summarizes the sections of the plan highlights important sections and includes comments on how Visitor Services staff may use the information (red text). Comments and Recommendations an excellent overview of the Alberta Sign Program should be reviewed annually by all staff involved with developing non-personal interpretation a detailed coverage of Alberta Parks sign graphics standards should be reviewed annually by all staff involved with developing non-personal interpretation Visitor Services staff must understand and implement Alberta Parks graphic standards in all information/orientation and interpretive signs and panels (permanent and temporary) that they develop the grid formats for identification, GEO and boundary signs is fairly simple and straight forward, but it can be more complex for interpretation signs Visitor Services staff may require professional development/training in use of the grid system an overview of the sign planning and design system should be reviewed by all new Visitor Services staff that will be involved with development of interpretation and information/orientation signs this is a comprehensive guide for developing a sign plan for any Alberta Parks property it is likely that Visitor Services staff will take part in this planning process and will likely be in charge of planning for interpretation and some or all information/orientation signs in the major parks and protected areas in the David Thompson Corridor all senior Visitor Services staff should be understand the sign plan process and be able to contribute to it 7.8

11 Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards A Summary of Key Components of the Alberta Parks Sign Program of Relevance to Visitor Services Staff Sign Text Fonts Font Families and Styles The Alberta Parks Sign Program identifies two font families (Enclave and Giacomo) and 8 associated styles for each family use in signs. Typography The goal of typography is transparency. The type should hold the readers attention without distracting them from the communication. The type should enable them to read the entire passage. The selection of a typeface and the mixing of typefaces in the Alberta Parks Sign Program is based on legibility and the ability to convey and emphasize levels of information. Legibility and readability are enhanced by using a simple serif typeface (Enclave) in a normal weight and width for primary text. Giacomo, a serif typefaces is used to emphasize short elements such as subheads and labels. These are licensed specially for Alberta Parks and can only be used for official signs and publications. According to the Alberta Parks Sign Program: Only these two typefaces in the weights (styles) specified are to be used. Alternates are not acceptable. Table 7.1 identifies how each font and font style is to be used in Alberta Parks signs. Software Applications that Should be Used for Sign Layout & Production Almost all signs are produced using graphical software programs. The Alberta Parks Sign Program indicates that preferred programs include Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign for use with the Apple Macintosh operating system (Alberta Sign Program, Chapter 2: Graphics Standards page 2.0 2). The manual goes on to say that although programs are available for the MS Windows operating system, graphic production houses prefer Macintosh for consistency and overall product quality. The choice of the Macintosh computer platform and these two computer programs is because almost all graphic designers and sign printers use this computer and these applications. Park staff who use the same programs and equipment will not the occasional unpleasant surprises that can still occur when sending files between major platforms (e.g., Windows files to Macintosh computers). Artwork developed with these programs will be usable in all sign production methods used by Alberta Parks including: single-colour printing on a panel cutting vector art from adhesive vinyl film screen printing of complex multi-layer maps and illustrated interpretive signs 7.11

12 Chapter 7: Review of Sign Standards Park Boundary Signs These are signs that inform visitors that they are entering an Alberta Parks property. They include generic boundary signs, site specific boundary signs that include the name of the park or protected area, and boundary portal signs that are located where trails and paths enter an Alberta Park Property (these contain a welcoming statement, and list important amenities and encourage specific activities such as hiking plus a list of key prohibitions). The latter sign is aimed at people who are casually entering the site. Colours include: Safety Yellow Kananaskis Green Black Safety Red White See examples in Figure Recommendations for the Visitor Services Program in the David Thompson Corridor The standardized colour palates set up in the Alberta Parks Sign Program manual are an effective way of assisting park visitors in recognizing the various types of messaging within Alberta Parks (e.g., signs in red, black and white include information about dangerous safety issues). The colour palates of Alberta Parks signs also is an important component of the agency s branding. With regular exposure to consistent colour palates of signs, park visitors recognize the look and feel of an Alberta Parks property. The Alberta Parks Sign Program provides clear direction on use of colours in signs. Visitor Services staff will follow these directions for the deployment of both permanent and temporary signs. Background Safety Yellow Boundary Sign Kananaskis Green Text and Graphics Black Safety Red White Boundary Portal Sign Figure 7.13: Colour palate for boundary signs 7.17

13 Visitor Services Development Plan for the David Thompson Corridor Regarding Temporary Signs As part of their work assisting the management teams of the various Alberta Parks properties in the David Thompson Corridor, Visitor Services staff will be required to design and deploy temporary information/orientation and visitor management signs and posters (e.g., trail closure due to presence of bear or cougar, cautions about unusually high water levels in rivers or lakes, etc.). In many instances, the need for immediate deployment and the site-specific nature of the management issue makes it impractical to order an off-the-shelf generic sign from the current sign catalogue. Visitor Services staff should have the capacity to develop and deploy temporary signs quickly as needed. (A common practice is to use in-house or local large-format colour laser or inkjet printers and plastic laminators to produce temporary signs. Although the Alberta Parks Sign Program manual does not directly address the topic of temporary signs, its design standards should be followed as closely as possible. This includes use of: fonts (Enclave and Giacomo) message-specific colour palates (e.g., signs warning hikers about trail closures due to the presence of dangerous wildlife should be composed using the safety red, white and black colours of the Danger Warning colour palate) presence of the Alberta Parks Wordmark - this is especially important to give the temporary sign authority and authenticity Alberta Parks Wordmark This is a key symbol of Alberta Parks that is required on many Parks signs and publications. The lettering used was designed specifically for Alberta Parks. A wordmark file must be obtained from the Alberta Parks sign manager in Edmonton. According to the Alberta Sign Program manual, the wordmark must be used with discretion. It should be used only where identification with the agency has relevance and should not be used in ways that compromise a sign s primary purpose. For example, the wordmark should be used on park entrance signs. When a sign is obviously within a park, greater liberty may be taken in the use, size, or placement of the wordmark. General applications for use include: park identification signs at primary entrances to the park boundary signs GEO signs such as: - welcome panels - regulatory signs - maps - entering/leaving panels - interpretive signs The Alberta Parks Sign Program manual provides details about the size and placement of the wordmark and identifies three versions described below. Identification Sign Version This wordmark includes a long Explorer Blue overbar with Alberta Parks in white all-caps. This blue wordmark is used as the overbar on all identification signs. The Alberta Sign Program manual provides specifics on the placement and size. 7.18