Hierarchial wayfinding sign system and method

摘要

The present invention is a hierarchical wayfinding sign system. The sign system comprises a plurality of area-finder signs for providing directions to at least one area, such as of a city. Each area-finder sign has a color code key, at least one color coded area title and a route description portion. The sign system also comprises a plurality of site-finder signs within each area for providing directions to at least one site. Each site-finder sign has a color code key. A site listing portion having a background color corresponding to the area which the site-finder sign is in and a directions portion. Preferably, the area-finder signs and site-finder signs are placed and sequenced according to a grid system. The grid system defines a plurality of portal locations, gateway locations and decision point intersections. The portal locations provide a way onto a means of access to another area. The area-finder signs provide directions to the portals. The gateway locations define an entrance into an area. They have a site-finder sign. The decision point intersections are located within a specific area and have at least one site-finder sign for providing direction to sites within the area. In a preferred embodiment, the color code key comprises a colored geographical icon of the areas with each area having a different color. The geographical icon is located on a top portion of each area-finder sign and each site-finder sign. The color coded area title of the area-finder signs can comprise a colored rectangle having a title of the area within. Preferably, the area-finder signs have a consistent background color such as the blue shown with the colored rectangles disposed thereon. The colors and type indentations are used to successively frame message elements to arrive at a simple “grammar” on the sign.