Vocabulary Words Every Signage Designer Should Know

Sign

Definition: A symbol or notice that provides information or directions.

• The sign shows where to find the restrooms.
• Please read the sign before entering.
• They put up a sign for the event.

Sign in a sentence

Design

Definition: A plan or drawing for something.

• He made a beautiful design for the dress.
• The building has a modern design.
• She loves to design clothes.

Design in a sentence

Color

Definition: A property of objects that results from the way they reflect light; a visual perception.

• Her favorite color is blue.
• The drawing has many bright colors.
• He likes to color pictures in his art book.

Color in a sentence

Text

Definition: Written words; a message sent electronically.

• Please read the text on the page.
• I will text you later with the details.
• He sent a text to his friend.

Text in a sentence

Word

Definition: a single unit of language with meaning

• Can you spell that word for me?
• He used a big word in his essay.
• The word "happy" means feeling good.

Word in a sentence

Shape

Definition: The external form or appearance of an object, often defined by its outline.

• The shape of the cookie was round and flat.
• She drew a square shape on the paper.
• Understanding shape is important in geometry.

Shape in a sentence

Arrow

Definition: A pointed projectile shot from a bow; also a symbol indicating direction.

• He shot the arrow at the target.
• The map had an arrow pointing to the north.
• She drew an arrow to show the direction.

Arrow in a sentence

Light

Definition: A source of illumination; not heavy.

• The light in the room is bright.
• She carries a light backpack.
• He turned on the light to see better.

Light in a sentence

Map

Definition: A visual representation of an area showing locations and features.

• I used a map to find my way to the park.
• The teacher gave us a map for the field trip.
• She marked the location on the map.

Map in a sentence

Wall

Definition: A vertical structure that separates spaces.

• The wall is painted blue.
• He hung a picture on the wall.
• They built a high wall around the garden.

Wall in a sentence

Name

Definition: A word by which a person or thing is known.

• What is your name?
• Her name is Sarah.
• He wrote his name on the paper.

Name in a sentence

Picture

Definition: an image or representation of something

• He drew a picture of his family.
• She took a picture of the sunset.
• Understanding pictures enhances communication.

Picture in a sentence

Point

Definition: to indicate something by extending a finger

• He will point to the correct answer on the board.
• Please point out the main ideas in the story.
• She used a laser pointer to highlight the stars.

Point in a sentence

Place

Definition: A specific location or area.

• This is a great place to have a picnic.
• Can you tell me the place where we will meet?
• I want to visit a new place this summer.

Place in a sentence

Look

Definition: To direct one's gaze toward something.

• Please look at the board.
• He likes to look at the stars at night.
• She will look for her lost toy.

Look in a sentence

Open

Definition: To allow access to something; to make available.

• Please open the window to let in fresh air.
• He will open the door for his guests.
• They decided to open a new restaurant downtown.

Open in a sentence

Close

Definition: To shut something; to bring something to an end.

• Please close the door when you leave.
• He likes to close his book before sleeping.
• She wants to close the deal by Friday.

Close in a sentence

Help

Definition: To assist someone with something.

• Can you help me with my homework?
• She helped her mother in the kitchen.
• He always helps his friends.

Help in a sentence

Safe

Definition: Free from harm or danger.

• It is important to keep our home safe.
• Always wear a helmet to stay safe while biking.
• This is a safe place for kids to play.

Safe in a sentence

Stop

Definition: To end or not continue something.

• Please stop talking during the lesson.
• The bus will stop at the next station.
• He stopped playing because he was tired.

Stop in a sentence

Go

Definition: To move or travel from one place to another.

• We will go to the park after school.
• Please go to the library to find a book.
• It's time to go home and relax.

Go in a sentence

Image

Definition: A visual representation of something.

• I created an image for my project.
• The image shows a beautiful landscape.
• He likes to take an image of every moment.

Image in a sentence

Size

Definition: The physical dimensions or magnitude of something.

• What size shoes do you wear?
• The size of the cake was perfect for the party.
• I need to measure the size of the box before shipping.

Size in a sentence

Font

Definition: the style of printed letters

• I changed the font of my document to make it look nicer.
• She prefers a simple font for her presentations.
• The website uses a modern font that is easy to read.

Font in a sentence

Style

Definition: A way of doing something, especially in art or fashion.

• She has a unique style of dressing.
• His writing style is very simple.
• The house was built in a modern style.

Style in a sentence

Space

Definition: The physical universe beyond the earth's atmosphere or an empty area.

• There is a lot of space in this room to play.
• In space, there is no air to breathe.
• We need to keep our workspace clean and organized with enough space.

Space in a sentence

Background

Definition: the information or setting behind something

• The background of the story explains the characters' actions.
• She has a background in art and design.
• Understanding background enriches understanding.

Background in a sentence

Message

Definition: A piece of information sent from one person to another.

• I received a message from my friend.
• Please send me a message when you arrive.
• The message was clear and easy to understand.

Message in a sentence

Label

Definition: a tag or sticker that provides information

• The label on the bottle shows the ingredients.
• He read the label to check for allergens.
• She put a label on each box for organization.

Label in a sentence

Poster

Definition: A large printed picture or notice displayed for information or decoration.

• She created a poster for the school science fair.
• The poster showed the schedule for the upcoming events.
• Understanding how to make a poster can help in presentations.

Poster in a sentence

Board

Definition: A flat piece of material, often used for various purposes like writing or construction.

• He wrote the homework assignments on the board.
• We need a board to build a fort.
• The teacher asked the students to come to the board.

Board in a sentence

Print

Definition: To produce a hard copy of a document.

• Please print the report for me.
• I want to print my photos.
• He will print the flyer for the event.

Print in a sentence

Layout

Definition: The way in which something is arranged or organized.

• The layout of the classroom makes it easy to see the board.
• He designed the layout for the new park.
• The website has a clean layout that is easy to navigate.

Layout in a sentence

Symbol

Definition: An image or sign that represents something else.

• The heart is a symbol of love.
• She wore a symbol of peace on her shirt.
• A flag is a symbol of a country.

Symbol in a sentence

Guide

Definition: To lead or direct someone; a person who provides information or advice.

• The teacher will guide us during the field trip.
• He used a map to guide us through the city.
• She is a guide at the museum.

Guide in a sentence

Graphic

Definition: Relating to visual art or images; detailed and vivid.

• The graphic design on the poster is beautiful.
• He created a graphic for the presentation.
• She enjoys graphic novels and comics.

Graphic in a sentence

Contrast

Definition: To compare in a way that highlights differences.

• They discussed the contrast between the two books.
• The contrast in colors made the painting vivid.
• He showed the contrast between summer and winter.

Contrast in a sentence

Visibility

Definition: The ability to see or be seen; how clear things are.

• The fog reduced visibility on the road.
• Good visibility is important for driving safely.
• She wore bright colors for better visibility during the hike.

Visibility in a sentence

Readability

Definition: The ease with which text can be read and understood.

• Good readability makes books more enjoyable.
• We analyzed the readability of different articles.
• Increasing readability can help students comprehend better.

Readability in a sentence

Audience

Definition: A group of people who listen to or watch something.

• The audience clapped after the performance.
• There were many people in the audience at the concert.
• The speaker engaged the audience with interesting stories.

Audience in a sentence

Direction

Definition: the course or path along which something moves

• He gave her direction on how to get there.
• The direction of the project changed last minute.
• She followed the direction on the map.

Direction in a sentence

Information

Definition: Facts or details about a subject.

• I need more information about the project.
• The teacher provides information on how to study.
• You can find information online for your research.

Information in a sentence

Safety

Definition: The condition of being protected from danger or harm.

• Safety is the most important thing in our school.
• We should practice safety rules when crossing the street.
• The safety of the children is our top priority.

Safety in a sentence

Warning

Definition: A sign or message that alerts someone to potential danger.

• The warning sign indicated a steep hill ahead.
• She received a warning for being late.
• He paid attention to the weather warning.

Warning in a sentence

Brand

Definition: A name given to a product or service, often associated with quality.

• Nike is a popular brand for sportswear.
• What brand of shoes do you prefer?
• The brand of cereal we buy is healthy.

Brand in a sentence

Material

Definition: The substance or items used to make something; also refers to fabric.

• We need more material to finish the project.
• The material for the dress is very soft.
• He chose the right material for his model.

Material in a sentence

Installation

Definition: The act of putting something in place for use; setting up.

• The installation of the new software was easy.
• They scheduled the installation of the new equipment.
• He completed the installation of the air conditioner.

Installation in a sentence

Attention

Definition: The act of focusing on something; notice or consideration.

• Paying attention in class helps with learning.
• He struggled to maintain attention during the lecture.
• Understanding attention is key to effective studying.

Attention in a sentence

Clarity

Definition: The quality of being easily understood or expressed.

• Clarity in writing helps convey ideas effectively.
• She strives for clarity in her explanations.
• Understanding clarity improves communication skills.

Clarity in a sentence

Purpose

Definition: The reason for which something is done.

• The purpose of the meeting is to discuss plans.
• She found a purpose in volunteering.
• Understanding your purpose can guide your decisions.

Purpose in a sentence

Effect

Definition: A change caused by something.

• The new rule had a good effect on students.
• Drinking too much soda has a bad effect on health.
• The medicine had a quick effect.

Effect in a sentence

Choice

Definition: The act of selecting or making a decision; an option.

• You have a choice between two desserts.
• She made a good choice in picking that book.
• He faced a difficult choice about his future.

Choice in a sentence

Display

Definition: to show or exhibit something

• They will display their artwork at the gallery.
• He loves to display his collection of stamps.
• Understanding display enhances presentation skills.

Display in a sentence

Typography

Definition: The style and appearance of printed text, including font and layout.

• Good typography makes a text easier to read.
• She learned about typography in her design class.
• Understanding typography enhances visual communication.

Typography in a sentence

Hierarchy

Definition: A system of ranking or organizing people or things according to their importance or status.

• The company has a clear hierarchy of management.
• In a food chain, there is a hierarchy among different species.
• Understanding hierarchy helps in navigating organizational structures.

Hierarchy in a sentence

Signage

Definition: Signs collectively, especially those used for directions or information.

• The signage in the park helped visitors find their way.
• They improved the signage at the entrance of the building.
• Clear signage is important for safety and navigation.

Signage in a sentence

Graphics

Definition: visual images or designs used in print or on screens

• The graphics in the video game are stunning.
• He created graphics for the school project.
• She studied graphics design in college.

Graphics in a sentence

Branding

Definition: The process of creating a unique identity for a product or company; includes logos and messaging.

• Branding helps consumers recognize a product.
• He learned about branding strategies in marketing class.
• Effective branding can lead to customer loyalty.

Branding in a sentence

Composition

Definition: The act of creating or arranging something, especially music or writing.

• Her composition for piano was beautiful.
• He received praise for his writing composition.
• The class focuses on composition techniques for essays.

Composition in a sentence

Aesthetics

Definition: The principles of beauty and artistic taste.

• The aesthetics of the room were very modern.
• She has a keen sense of aesthetics in her work.
• Good aesthetics can enhance any design project.

Aesthetics in a sentence

Icon

Definition: A symbol or representation of something; a famous person.

• The heart is an icon of love.
• He became an icon in the fashion industry.
• The app features an icon that is easy to recognize.

Icon in a sentence

Signage System

Definition: A coordinated set of signs designed to provide information and direction in a specific area.

• The signage system in the mall made it easy to navigate.
• They installed a new signage system for better visibility.
• A good signage system helps reduce confusion.

Materials

Definition: Substances or components used to create something.

• We need to gather materials for our science project.
• Different materials can affect the quality of a product.
• She chose eco-friendly materials for her artwork.

Materials in a sentence

Legibility

Definition: The quality of being clear enough to read; ease of reading.

• Good legibility is important in printed materials.
• The teacher emphasized legibility in student handwriting.
• They chose fonts with high legibility for the poster.

Legibility in a sentence

Alignment

Definition: The arrangement of something in a straight line; agreement.

• The alignment of the wheels was off, causing issues.
• They checked the alignment of the project goals.
• Proper alignment is crucial for the machine's operation.

Alignment in a sentence

Proportion

Definition: A part or share of a whole; the relationship between sizes.

• The proportion of students passing the exam increased.
• She made a proportion of the recipe for the party.
• Understanding proportion is important in math and cooking.

Proportion in a sentence

Visual Hierarchy

Definition: The arrangement of elements to show importance.

• Visual hierarchy helps guide viewers' attention.
• She used visual hierarchy in her poster design.
• Good visual hierarchy makes information easier to understand.

Iconography

Definition: The visual images and symbols used in art and literature to convey particular meanings or messages.

• Iconography helps interpret the themes of a painting.
• She studied the iconography of religious art.
• Understanding iconography enhances appreciation for symbolism.

Iconography in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Usability

Definition: The ease of use and effectiveness of a product or system.

• The app was designed with usability in mind.
• Usability testing helps improve user experience.
• He focuses on usability in his web design projects.

Usability in a sentence

Accessibility

Definition: The quality of being easy to reach or use.

• The website improved its accessibility for all users.
• Accessibility is crucial for people with disabilities.
• They focused on accessibility in their new building design.

Accessibility in a sentence

Infographics

Definition: visual representations of information or data

• Infographics make complex information easier to understand.
• She created an infographic to present her research.
• Understanding infographics enhances information sharing.

Orientation

Definition: The process of familiarizing someone with a new environment or situation.

• The orientation for new students will be next week.
• She attended an orientation for her summer internship.
• Understanding orientation helps ease transitions.

Orientation in a sentence

Information Design

Definition: The practice of presenting information clearly and effectively.

• Information design helps make complex data understandable.
• She studied information design in her graphic design course.
• Understanding information design improves communication materials.

Wayfinding

Definition: The process of navigating and finding one's way in an environment.

• Wayfinding signs help people find their destinations.
• He used wayfinding techniques during the field trip.
• Understanding wayfinding improves navigation skills.

Cohesion

Definition: The action or fact of forming a united whole; the quality of being logically connected.

• Cohesion in writing helps ideas flow smoothly.
• She improved the cohesion of her essay with transitions.
• Understanding cohesion enhances clarity in communication.

Cohesion in a sentence

Consistency

Definition: The quality of being steady and uniform; harmony of parts.

• She valued consistency in her study habits.
• The cake should have a smooth consistency before baking.
• Consistency in practice leads to improvement.

Consistency in a sentence

Symbolism

Definition: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

• Symbolism adds depth to literature and art.
• In the story, the dove is a symbolism of peace.
• Understanding symbolism can enhance comprehension of texts.

Symbolism in a sentence

Grid

Definition: A framework of spaced bars that form a pattern; used in maps or systems.

• The city uses a grid system for streets.
• She plotted her data on a grid.
• The grid helps organize the information.

Grid in a sentence

Negative Space

Definition: the area around and between objects in art

• The artist used negative space to create depth.
• They studied negative space in their art class.
• Understanding negative space can enhance composition.

Color Theory

Definition: The study of how colors interact and how they can be combined.

• Color theory is important for artists and designers.
• She learned about color theory in her art class.
• The color theory explains how colors can affect emotions.

Color Theory in a sentence

Functionality

Definition: The range of functions or capabilities of a device or application.

• The new phone has improved functionality compared to the old model.
• Her app's functionality makes it easy to use.
• Understanding functionality is important for users.

Functionality in a sentence

Navigation

Definition: The act of determining one's position and planning a route.

• The navigation system helped us find our way.
• Good navigation skills are important for sailors.
• She used a map for navigation during the hike.

Navigation in a sentence

Coherence

Definition: The quality of being logical and consistent; clarity in writing.

• Her essay had great coherence and flow.
• Coherence is important for effective communication.
• Understanding coherence improves writing skills.

Coherence in a sentence

Dimensionality

Definition: the number of dimensions in a space or object

• The dimensionality of the problem made it complex.
• She learned about dimensionality in geometry class.
• Understanding dimensionality helps in visualizing objects.

Dimensionality in a sentence

Materiality

Definition: The significance of information or items in accounting or finance.

• Materiality helps determine what information is important.
• The accountant assessed materiality for financial statements.
• Understanding materiality is crucial for accurate reporting.

Materiality in a sentence

Sustainability

Definition: The ability to be maintained or continued over the long term.

• We should focus on sustainability to protect the environment.
• Sustainability is important for future generations.
• She advocates for sustainability in her community.

Sustainability in a sentence

User Experience

Definition: The overall experience a person has while using a product or service.

• Good user experience is important for apps.
• They focus on user experience to keep customers happy.
• Her goal is to improve the user experience on the website.

Visual Communication

Definition: The use of visual elements to convey ideas or information.

• Visual communication includes images, graphics, and videos.
• He excels in visual communication for presentations.
• Understanding visual communication helps in effective messaging.

Visual Communication in a sentence

Modularity

Definition: The degree to which a system's components can be separated and recombined.

• The modularity of the system makes it easy to upgrade.
• Understanding modularity can improve design efficiency.
• She praised the modularity of the software architecture.

Modularity in a sentence

Ergonomics

Definition: The study of people's efficiency in their working environment.

• Ergonomics helps design comfortable workspaces.
• She learned about ergonomics to improve her desk setup.
• Proper ergonomics can prevent injuries at work.

Ergonomics in a sentence

Fidelity

Definition: Faithfulness or loyalty to a person, cause, or belief.

• He showed great fidelity to his friends.
• Fidelity in relationships is very important.
• Understanding fidelity can strengthen bonds.

Fidelity in a sentence

Signage Systems

Definition: The design and arrangement of signs to convey information effectively.

• Signage systems help people navigate spaces easily.
• He worked on improving signage systems for the park.
• Understanding signage systems is important for clear communication.