Table of Contents

• Using too much text
• Outdoor sign design mistakes: choosing the wrong font style 
• Poor colour contrast
• Ignoring viewing distance
• Not considering lighting
• Overcrowding with graphics
• Wrong material choice
• Outdoor sign design mistakes: not planning for maintenance
• Ignoring local rules and guidelines
• Not testing the design before installation
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Outdoor signs are very important to the way in which a business is noticed. A clear and attractive sign will pull customers in, while one that is unclear will have them moving away. Many businesses hire the best outdoor signage company in Dubai for the best results, yet even then, there are a few common mistakes that can be committed, which reduce the effect of the sign. Understanding these mistakes will help you, therefore, create a sign that truly works.

Using too much text

One major mistake that people make is cramming the sign with too many words. People don’t have much time to read big, long sentences. Keep the message short, simple, and easy to read. Additionally, keep to one idea and do not clutter it with information irrelevant to the subject. A clean sign is always going to stand out more than a crowded one.

Outdoor sign design mistakes: choosing the wrong font style 

Whereas a number of fonts might seem stylish when they appear on your screen, they may actually be hard to read when they are far away. Fancy fonts or fonts that are too thin should be avoided. Instead, bold and clear lettering stands out much more when viewed even from afar. It is what every best signage company in Dubai would recommend.

Poor colour contrast

When the background and color merge, the sign becomes invisible. With yellow text on a white background, it may look nice but won’t pop. Good contrast, therefore, is something important, such as dark text on a light background or vice versa. Additionally, be sure to match colors according to your brand style.

Ignoring viewing distance

Sometimes it looks perfect when viewed close-up but is unreadable from the needed distance. The size of the letters should fit where they’re going to be placed. Larger signs need bigger text in order for people, drivers, and walkers to read safely and quickly. This little detail often makes or breaks whether the sign will work or not.

Not considering lighting

Outdoor signs should be readily viewable both in daylight and at nighttime. Unfortunately, too many people don’t plan out the proper lighting for their sign. Without sufficient light, it disappears at sunset. On the other hand, too harsh lights blur out the text completely. However, balanced lighting helps the sign remain visible in every kind of weather and time.

Overcrowding with graphics

While graphics can make the most eye-catching sign, too many images perplex the viewer. The whole purpose of a sign is to deliver a message fast, and excess graphics slow down the reader. They also increase printing and installation costs without adding real value. A simple layout with one relevant graphic works better.

Wrong material choice

Outdoor signs undergo sun, wind, rain, and dust. Constructing a sign out of low-quality material can bring it down easily. It might fade, break, or peel off. Therefore, always choose weather-resistant materials. Good signage providers guide the customer to select the right material, depending on where the sign is going to be installed.

Outdoor sign design mistakes: not planning for maintenance

Many businesses will forget that signs take occasional cleaning and maintenance. The finest design looks old from dirt, dust, and fading. Besides, a damaged sign creates a negative impression about the business. Regular checks help the sign look fresh and professional all year round.

Ignoring local rules and guidelines

In most cases, there are regulations concerning the placing of signs, their size, and whether or not they need to be lighted. Non-compliance often results in fines or removal. Always check on local regulations before finalizing your design. This is a task that professional providers of signage solutions Dubai can help with.

Not testing the design before installation

Sometimes it looks great on the computer and doesn’t work outside. Colors may look different, and text looks smaller than one would anticipate.  Moreover, the fact that this is common doesn’t mean that testing the design with a printed sample or digital mock-up can help avoid costly changes later. 

Conclusion 

An effective outdoor sign requires smart planning and attention to the small details. Once you avoid these mistakes, your sign will stand out and be more appealing and impactful. Furthermore, working with the best outdoor signage company in Dubai will also help you choose the right layout, color, and material. Most importantly, a well-designed sign expresses the quality and trustworthiness of your business, making it easy for people to notice and remember you.

FAQs