How do you navigate the variety of signage required in an airport? Paul Harvey, Managing Director of Nova Aluminium explores airport wayfinding in this blog.
If an airport lacks a well-designed wayfinding signage system, it can lead to a multitude of potential problems and frustrations for travellers. Confusion, missed connections, finding a car park space, increased stress, overcrowding, and decreased customer satisfaction are just a few of the potential consequences. With hundreds of thousands of passengers each month, the UK’s Airports need a supplier that can provide a comprehensive solution.
The challenge
Clear airport signage reduces traveller stress
Like any customer intense venue or environment, airports should prioritise the implementation of comprehensive and well-designed wayfinding signage systems to ensure smooth and seamless navigation for all their travellers as well as staff. A pressing concern for airports is how to find designers, manufacturers and installers for all the many styles and formats of signage required for the multiple internal and external systems needed for such a large scale project.
The solution
Coordinating multiple outsourced companies for various signage solutions can create logistical complexities. We simplify this process by offering a comprehensive, in-house solution. For internal signage, our NovaSlim internally illuminated products are ideal. With slimmer sight lines, and the option of a screw free body it is particularly suited to acrylic-faced internal signage. For advertising and retail wayfinding, we recommend our NovaTex fabric-based products, available with or without energy-efficient LED illumination.
Robust, low maintenance and weather resistant pole and plank solution
Externally, airports face challenges related to robustness, low maintenance, and weather resistance. Our Pole and Plank products, as seen in the ‘Silver Zone’ parking area signage, are tailored for car parks and walkways. In high-altitude airports, like those at 600ft, where severe weather is common, our flagship NovaFlex flexface signage system is the perfect choice for main branding and advertising. As the only full perimeter tensioned system on the market, it supports signs over 4 meters high, ensuring stability in high winds and wrinkle-free displays in all weather conditions.
The impact
Our holistic, one-stop-shop approach delivers more effective and cohesive results for airports. This approach also provides cost savings through volume discounts and reduced administrative overhead compared to managing multiple suppliers. Consolidating all aspects of the project under a single provider simplifies project management, improves progress tracking, and ensures seamless integration of all solutions. Effective, cohesive signage reduces congestion and bottlenecks, freeing airport staff from unnecessary passenger assistance. This ultimately leads to a less stressful and more enjoyable experience for frequent flyers
