Introduction
Signage can make or break the usability and aesthetic of a space. Whether it’s a storefront identifier, an ADA directional, or a branded wall feature, signage does more than just communicate—it sets expectations and supports interaction. And yet, many businesses overlook critical steps in the sign planning process, resulting in poor visibility, code violations, or confusing layouts.
The good news? These issues are almost always preventable—with the right combination of design awareness, technical knowledge, and installation precision.
This article explores seven of the most common mistakes made during sign design and sign install—and how to avoid them with smarter strategy and expert input.
1. Designing Without Purpose
It’s tempting to begin a signage project with fonts, colors, and styles in mind. But before anything is sketched, a more fundamental question needs to be asked: What is the sign supposed to do?
Skipping this step leads to beautiful signs that fail functionally. For example:
- A directional sign that’s stylish but unreadable from a distance
- A storefront sign with elegant graphics, but no nighttime visibility
- A directory that doesn’t match the building’s actual layout
Each sign must serve a specific purpose—whether to guide, identify, inform, or comply. Sign design should follow function, not just form.
2. Ignoring Local Codes and ADA Requirements
Compliance isn’t optional—and it’s often more nuanced than many realize. From height and placement rules to contrast ratios and braille, regulatory standards shape how signs are built and where they’re placed.
This includes:
- ADA signs that must include tactile lettering, braille, and proper mounting locations
- Illuminated signs that require permits and follow zoning brightness limits
- Setback regulations that govern how close a sign can be to roads or sidewalks
Ignoring or misunderstanding these rules doesn’t just lead to rework—it can result in fines, safety hazards, or legal complaints. That’s why working with an experienced sign company early in the process is key.
3. Overlooking Environmental Context
Where a sign is placed is just as important as how it looks. Consider:
- Will sunlight create glare on the surface?
- Is the viewing angle obstructed by landscaping or architecture?
- Does the sign compete with other visual elements like posters or screens?
Signage should be evaluated in full environmental context—not just mocked up on a screen. For outdoor signs, this might mean testing different heights or materials based on sun exposure and wind. Indoors, it may involve checking sightlines from multiple approaches.
Failing to address environment leads to signs that are unreadable, easily missed, or require expensive repositioning later.
4. Mismatched Branding Across Multiple Signs
Inconsistent branding across a property is surprisingly common—especially in larger organizations or multi-tenant buildings.
Examples include:
- Different fonts or logos between lobby and conference rooms
- Varying ADA signs that don’t align in color or scale
- Inconsistent iconography across directories and directional signage
Even if each sign works individually, the lack of cohesion undermines professionalism and user confidence.
An experienced sign company ensures that all signs—from ADA plaques to exterior wayfinding—feel like part of a unified system. DesignElement Raleigh understands how to balance compliance and creativity to build brand-consistent environments.
5. Underestimating Installation Logistics
Designing a sign is only half the battle. The next challenge? Getting it installed correctly and safely.
Common sign install pitfalls include:
- Choosing mounting methods that aren’t rated for the surface material
- Misaligning text or failing to level the sign
- Skipping reinforcements for heavy or wind-exposed signage
- Overlooking building access needs (e.g., ladders, lifts, interior framing)
Installation is not a step to “figure out later.” It should be planned during the design phase, with full consideration of site conditions, access points, and load requirements.
Poor installation doesn’t just look unprofessional—it can be dangerous.
6. Using the Wrong Materials for the Application
Not all materials are created equal—and selecting the wrong one for your space or climate can shorten a sign’s life dramatically.
Some examples:
- Vinyl graphics used on porous indoor walls (leading to peeling)
- Metal signs placed near saltwater without protective coating (causing corrosion)
- Backlit signs with materials that yellow over time due to UV exposure
A sign may look great in a portfolio but fail quickly in real-world use if materials aren’t matched to purpose.
Understanding the properties of acrylic, aluminum, PVC, HDU, and other sign substrates is essential to long-term durability and performance.
7. Failing to Think Long-Term
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes is designing signage for today’s needs without planning for tomorrow’s.
Smart signage systems are:
- Modular: allowing parts to be replaced or reconfigured as tenants or departments change
- Scalable: designed to grow with the business or expand across locations
- Low-maintenance: made with finishes that resist fading, staining, or scratching
A short-term mindset can lead to waste, reprints, or ongoing patchwork solutions. Thoughtful planning upfront means fewer surprises—and fewer expenses—down the line.
Conclusion
Effective signage doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of precise planning, expert craftsmanship, and attention to how real people interact with physical spaces.
From avoiding ADA oversights to planning seamless sign install strategies, the difference between average and exceptional signage lies in avoiding the common pitfalls before they begin.
By partnering with a skilled sign company like DesignElement Raleigh, businesses can navigate these challenges confidently—ensuring every sign is not only visible but valuable.Because great signage doesn’t just make a space look better. It makes the space work better.
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