Tag: wayfinding

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18 Essential Railway Sign Frames

Vista System produces a wide variety of both interior and exterior sign frames specifically designed for train stations or railway systems.  This includes everything from wayfinding signs for lobbies, to platform signage and parking signs all the way down to directory and restroom signs.

Here are 18 essential railway sign frames that every station or rail system should have.  We’ve omitted the pictures and detail of the following signs from this post but we’d be happy to send you the link if you contact us for this information.

  1. Station Name
  2. Platform Number
  3. Train Schedule
  4. Advertisements
  5. Digital Information Sign
  6. Exit Signage
  7. Railway Map
  8. Central Station Wayfinding Sign
  9. Restroom Signs
  10. Wayfinding Suspended Sign
  11. Price List Directory Sign
  12. Tickets Cashier
  13. Train Route Illuminated Map
  14. Wayfinding Flag Sign
  15. Long Term Parking
  16. Disabled Parking
  17. Route Map
  18. No Smoking

With the Vista System Modular Curved Frame Technology (MCFT) and full suite of sign frame products available almost any type and size of sign can be fabricated.  Given that all frames are built to order, Vista System effectively provides custom signs with “off the shelf” frame prices.  The extrusions accommodate a wide variety of insert materials and thicknesses which make matching interior or exterior color schemes or existing sign programs simple.

As noted above, we have tons of pictures and details surrounding this railway signage so please reach out to us.  If you would like to see a sample to experience the quality of the product first hand let us know and we’ll send you a free sign frame just for the asking.  Just click on the “get a free frame” bubble and we’ll get it in the mail.

Please comment or share this post and please let us know if you have any topics you would like to hear about.

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5 Considerations in Using Flag Signs versus Corner Signs

Flag signs and corner signs both serve the wayfinding space extremely well.  It should be noted that both types of office signs can support wayfinding on both corner and hallway applications however, flag signs tend to be the sign frame of choice on hallways and corridors while corner signs are preferred on intersecting walls. So what are some of the considerations that come into play using one versus the other?  Our top 5 would be as follows:

  1. Aesthetics
  2. Height Limitations
  3. Cost
  4. Vandal Resistance
  5. Installation

Aesthetics – Some people simply prefer the cleaner, lower-profile look that the corner signs exhibit versus the higher profile, projecting look of the flag signs.  It’s clearly a personal preference but because they are modular it’s very common to use them in conjunction with one another.

Height Limitations – Buildings with drop ceilings or older buildings in general may provide vertical challenges when it comes to choosing the right sign frame.  On intersecting walls, the corner frames are the safer bet over the projecting frames as they lie flush against the wall.  On hallways, choose a smaller frame such as the FSF1U or landscape-oriented projecting sign frame to minimize vertical interference.

Cost – The cost of both types of office signs vary based on size.  Choose the proper size frame based on the line of sight.  For example, for most interior office space you’re safe with any size sign because you’ll be able to see it clearly within 50 feet or so.  For exterior applications where the sign needs to be visible at a distance, please consult a letter visibility chart to determine the size of sign you’ll need.  The minimum letter height required for a sign viewed at 100 feet is 4″ for example, so your content should drive the size of sign frame needed at that distance.  Both types of frames accommodate paper inserts so it’s inexpensive if you go the paper route to sign your building.

Vandal Resistance – Interior office signs are rarely vandalized compared to those installed outside.  Since wayfinding signs in general are installed high enough for people to see the height of the sign frame itself is definitely a deterrent.  Mounting surface and mounting method are other areas which can help mitigate vandalism.  Due to the projecting nature of flag signs it’s more likely for them to be physically loosened from their mounting surface but either sign is equally likely to be damaged with the malicious intent.

Ease of Installation – Since corner signs can be installed with double-sided tape or velcro in addition to wall anchors and screws the nod for ease of installation would go to them.  That said, both flag and corner frames can be installed in minutes using wall anchors and screws.

We hope this was helpful.  Please comment on our blog or share it with friends or colleagues who may be in need of this type of information.

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Expand Your Horizons with Sign Frames from Vista System

Vista System recently launched a new line of sign frames creating the best solution in the market for projects requiring extra large signage.  It’s called the Vista Expand series and consists of environmentally friendly indoor and outdoor sign frames ranging in size from 700-1400mm (27.5-55″) wide and up to 4 meters (13′) high.  The ultra modern design has a minimal curve and supports XL pylon signs (above right), landscape and portrait XL wall signs (above left) and landscape and portrait XL post and panel signs.

The portrait XL wall signs as illustrated above are a superior solution for displaying information including, but not limited to, floor maps, logo and branding imagery, floor directories, advertising space and exit routes.  Its landscape counterpart, XL landscape wall signs, are used to display wayfinding information and branding images, company name and logo, floor lists, decorative photos, advertising space and much more.

The Vista System Expand Series of sign frames, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, are also easy to install and update.  Installation of the Vista Expand wall signs is done by simply attaching the main profile to the wall with the screws smartly hidden under the insert sheet.  The sign frames accept digital prints, vinyl and other materials to present updated information.  The replacement process if fast and easy and can be completed on-site with in-house staff.

Vista System double-sided pylon signs are extremely popular and well known for wayfinding.  Often projects call for extra large pylons making the Vista line the most attractive solution available.  Applications are varied from displaying directions outdoors to wayfinding, branding, information, images, instructions and advertising within the complex.

The XL portrait and landscape post & panel signs are often used to display information to the public including orientation maps in the mall, real estate project specification stands, terminal information posts, industrial zone directories and much more.  Because of the modular design, many variations of both types of post & panel signs are possible.

Vista Expand proves that just because they are bigger they are still flexible, easy to deliver and install as well as maintain.  We have a number of images and videos that go into much more detail than what’s included here.  Contact us and we’ll be glad to send them to you.  We hope this information was helpful as we try to keep you up to date with the latest on architectural signage throughout the industry.  Please like, share or subscribe to our blog or visit our website for other signage products.

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Directory Signs – Flat Landscape for Directional & Wayfinding

Directory signs with the flat, landscape orientation are typically used as interior office signs including directional signs, directory boards and in various wayfinding applications.  The flat landscape directory signs accommodate interior and exterior sign applications and provide navigation and traffic control within your building or office complex.

Wayfinding, by definition, encompasses all of the ways people orient themselves in a physical space and navigate from place to place.  More recently, wayfinding has been used in the context of architecture in reference to the experience of orientation and choosing a path within a built environment.  Directory signs, when used in a lobby for example, provide the information necessary to get the customer or client to their appropriate destination.  This is the most common use for these type of frames.

There’s also the other aspect of wayfinding which entails traffic control.  When used in hallways or corridors or upon exiting an elevator these directory signs become directional signs, typically with directional arrows, providing a clear path within or among buildings.

Vista’s modular line of office signage provides extreme flexibility from a design and implementation standpoint.  First, all flat landscape directory signs are built to order so custom sizes are expected without having the exponential cost factor applied to non-cataloged frames.  Second, because the landscape-oriented office signage is installed as individual panels, architects and designers have become extremely creative in their designs for directional signs by staggering the frames as well as creating complete murals across the grouping.  Combined with the various types of materials the frames can accommodate, they become interior design features versus simple office signage.

Check out our video channel or comment on this blog post.  We welcome your comments and suggestions.

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Sign Frames – The Vista System Solution

Vista System sign frames are the preferred choice of sign professionals world wide when it comes to modular signs.  We’ve put this short video together showing the various products available including, but not limited to, office signs, directory signs, desk signs, flag signs and poster frames.

The sign frames are specifically designed for informational, promotional and wayfinding applications.  Whether used in offices, universities, hospitals, churches, retail or libraries, the product line is ideally suited to accommodate your existing sign program or allows you to create your own.

Vista frames are make from anodized aluminum making them ideally suited for both interior and exterior applications.  They come in three elegant finishes; brushed silver, black and gold with metal or plastic end caps to complement your existing decor.

In addition, Vista sign frames are extremely affordable to maintain by supporting printable office signs which you can do yourself in the comfort of your office.  You truly can create office signs like a graphics professional by using MS-Word or similar desktop publishing software packages in a matter of minutes.  If your sign program calls for material other than paper, Vista System accommodates acrylic, vinyl, PVC, ADA and numerous other insert materials.

Installing the frames is equally as simple.  Wall anchors and screws, double-sided tape and velcro are the most common options.  For larger office signs, directory signs and poster frames, wall anchors and screws are the preferred method whereas tape or velcro would be an equal alternative for the others.

We offer free sign frame samples simply for the asking.  Fill out the form by clicking on the blue sphere in the header so you can see firsthand for yourself.  Finally, please comment on our blog to allow us to better serve you.

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Office Signs that Float?

Need office signs with a little dimension? These office signs are crafted with small brackets attached to the back of the sign frames which make them stand off or “float” approximately one-quarter inch from the wall.

Common applications include room signs, door signs, directional and wayfinding in universities, office buildings, churches and numerous other locations.  The entire suite of  flat sign frames is made from anodized aluminum and comes in three classic finishes. For more information we invite you to check out our video.

These particular office signs are mainly used for indoor use but support a variety of outdoor applications.  Because this is a modular sign system custom sizes, other than those listed in the catalog, are available.  The flat system supports ADA and numerous other office sign materials including paper, acrylic, PVC and vinyl.

Maintenance is fast and simple.  Replacing your office sign inserts is easily accomplished with the use of a Vista key or suction cup.  In the event the insert material is not flexible, simply disconnect one of the special cover extrusions mechanically fastened to the frame.

If you would like more information on these specific sign frames or if you simply have questions we’d be glad to assist.  We also welcome your comments so please let us know what we can do to make your signage work more effectively.

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Why Choose Sign Frames from Vista System

There are many reasons to choose Vista System sign frames but according to our customers the following four seem to always come to the surface.

  1. Comprehensive Sign Frame Product Line – Vista offers a complete line of wayfinding sign frames including office signs, directory signs, table signs, flag signs and more.  Whether starting from scratch or already have an existing sign program in place Vista can accommodate your requirements.
  2. Sign Frame Consistency – The Vista System way finding sign frames come in three classic anodized aluminum finishes; brushed silver, black and gold with metal and plastic end cap combinations.  From the D3U office directory to the WFP31U office sign, Vista provides a comprehensive line of products that provides consistency and aesthetic appeal to any setting.
  3. Easy to Maintain – All wayfinding products accept a wide variety of materials for sign frame inserts including paper, vinyl graphics, engraved, photopolymer and more.  Print professional-looking paper sign frame inserts in minutes without leaving the office.  It’s fast, economical and you can do it yourself without having to call the local sign company.
  4. Lifetime Warranty – Vista System provides a premium line of wayfinding sign frames and stands behind that quality with a lifetime warranty for their products.

Vista also offers custom sign frame sizes and colors to meet the most demanding project specifications.  With international presence, Vista is also well positioned to manage sign standards on a global scale for any business or campus setting.

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5 Things to Know About Vista Triangular Pylon Signs

Vista Triangular Pylon Signs

What are the five things you should know about Vista triangular pylon signs?

1.  They are great wayfinding signs that can be used as directory signs as well as directional signs.  Because of their modular nature they are, by default, great directional signs.  However, may clients use them as directory signs by creating separation in the graphic inserts versus using individual panel separators.

2.  Vista pylon signs are great for interior signage as well as exterior signage applications.

3.  Like their wayfinding counterparts, pylon signs will support a myriad of substrates.  For indoor signage applications, especially when the sign copy changes frequently, paper or card stock is the preferred choice.  For outdoor signage applications, such as directory signs or directional signs where the sign copy is fairly static, various forms of vinyl, plastic and metal are used.

4.  The pylon signs come in 14 different widths and can be cut to various heights depending on the given sign requirements.  This is particularly advantageous from a wayfinding perspective given the complexity of sign specifications as well as local code restrictions.

5.   Finally, they are eco friendly signs made with eco friendly materials.  Vista’s entire wayfinding line are all eco friendly signs including directory signs, wall signs, table signs and flag signs.  They are made with eco friendly materials, are 100% sustainable and LEED certified.

Vista System wayfinding signs are contemporary with a modern, clean look. They are simple to us and easy to update by yourself.  Most importantly, they are high quality and 100% guaranteed.

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Flat Suspended Signs from Vista System

Vista Suspended Sign FramesVista System, the pioneer of MCFT (Modular Curved Frame Technology) wayfinding technology, recently launched flat suspended signs to expand its already robust product portfolio.  The suspended signs complement the wall signs, corner signs, table signs and directory signs which comprise the rest of the offering.

Suspended signs, like their wayfinding counterparts, are used in a variety of ways.  They are used for advertising purposes including new product promotion as well as branding.  Suspended signs are also used in corridors or hallways as directional or wayfinding signs.  Finally, they can be used as destination signs such as over an information booth or registration counter in a hotel, convention center, campus or similar venue.

Suspended signs are extremely advantageous where wall space is limited or non-existent.  This also holds true for large passageways where flag signs or standing signs might not reach the intended audience.They are also used to mitigate or deter vandalism, acceptable ceiling height limits permitted of course.

Due to the nature of this type of sign the copy should be relatively static.  For example, unlike wall or table signs where an employee nameplate can be easily accessed and replaced, the same may not necessarily apply to suspended signs.  Although the Vista System line does allow you to replace an insert in minutes it doesn’t account for the time it takes to physically get to the sign!

The sign frames support a wide variety of substrates to match any decor.  With custom sizes and colors available, Vista System can meet or exceed the most demanding wayfinding specifications.

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Introducing Vista System Wayfinding Corner Signs

Vista System just introduced a new line of flat wayfinding corner signs to complement it’s Vista System Wayfinding Corner Signscurved MCFT (modular curved frame technology) product line.  Vista System spent about twelve months looking for a company that had a similar, modular technology in the wayfinding space and found that company in GreenSquare.  GreenSquare was acquired by Vista System with a “definitive mission to offer an international solution to the sign industry that is both elegantly designed and technologically advanced”.

This wayfinding system offers flat signage solutions which includes corner signs in addition to wall signs, door signs, directory signs, suspended signs, flag signs and table signs.  They are designed to accept various types of inserts with varying thicknesses.  Because of its modularity, these signs can be tailored to match any need.  In addition, the number of extrusions available make it very easy to develop custom solutions for new projects as well as adapt to current standards.

Vista System fabricates these corner signs in three colors, namely brushed silver, black and gold.  This is true across the entire wayfinding line.  They can be used indoors and outdoors but please take caution that the inserts you use outdoors will withstand the elements.

End caps for these corner signs come in black and grey ABS plastic.  Unlike its curved counterpart, Vista System offers the entire flat wayfinding system with plastic end caps.  It is still to be determined whether metal end caps will become an option downstream.

Finally, custom colors are available for special projects should your specifications dictate however, the project should be large enough to offset the incremental uplift in price.