Some signs stand out because of their use of visual pictograms and symbols (e.g., restroom, stairs, and exit).
As specified by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, pictorial symbols have to accompany certain wayfinding messages. These Standards can be incredibly esoteric though, since most people know what these visual icons look like, but aren’t as familiar with their function. By reading the following, our team at HOTELSIGNS.com will help to teach you the difference between these signs and how they relate to buildings.
Different rules apply to each type of signage, with the sign’s purpose dictates which standards apply. Ask yourself, “Is the sign used to identify an individual permanent room or space (including exits)?” If so, tactile rules apply. If not, visual rules apply.
For permanent rooms and spaces, symbols should go before ADA-compliant raised characters and braille. Section 703.6.3 of the Standards references sections 703.2, 703.3, and 703.4, which deal with substantive, corresponding elements of tactile accessibility signs. According to pictogram rules, start with a relevant pictorial image for bathrooms and/or food services within a six-inch field, then duplicate its meaning of the image in raised text and braille.
Although the field is six inches, the pictorial image does not have to be six inches (in fact, there are no specific sizing requirements in the Standards: raised pictograms are not required, but are permitted). According to the Standards, raised elements need to be placed below the pictogram field, and verbally duplicates the meaning of the image.
Next, if you’re making a sign about the use of a facility, namely accessibility signage, then the only thing you have to worry about is color contrast. Contrast is key with accessibility signage, but with visual signs, no other rules apply. Raised text and braille are not necessary.
The key to understanding ADA symbols is understanding the purpose of the Standards as a whole. The ADA aims for a standardized means of communication, so it outlines rules for universal accessibility symbols. If it’s irrelevant to accessibility, then the ADA does not apply. Technicalities still matter, though, so pictograms must meet all tactile rules, and symbols must meet all visual rules. All symbols involving facility use must have sufficient color contrast, and the ADA requires equivalent facilitation for accessibility symbols. Any alternatives have to be substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.
With HOTELSIGNS.com, you can be certain that all our hotel interior signs adhere to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. When you select a sign color and sign type, our exclusive software automatically shows only contrasting graphic colors. Our website also auto-generates the correct braille on tactile signs, and gives you an automatic preview of the sign prototype.
We back all of our signs unprecedented guarantees, including Life of the Building and ADA Compliance. If you have any questions about visual and tactile signage/standards, please contact us at 888.273.8726 or hotels@hotelsigns.com. We’re eager to hear from you.