Do you dare to take the sign challenge? Can you go inside any government office, retail shop, charitable organization, school, sports arena, restaurant or any other interior public place and not see at least one sign? It is hard to think of a single exception. Wherever you go, there is a sign.
The Canadian rock group the "Five Man Electrical Band" had a big hit back in 1971 with their social commentary classic "Signs." The song, written more than 40 years ago, was their only hit. The refrain is very true to this day. "Sign, sign everywhere a sign. Blackin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind. Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"
While there may be a clear case of sign overload in many places, hanging signs is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, most companies and organizations are very careful about how they hang signs and where they hang them. Signs direct us, warn us and inform us. Sometimes they are mandatory and must be hung. Other times they are optional and are only displayed to make some empty wall space more interesting.
Have you ever noticed the blue and white signs that hang outside restrooms inside public buildings? You probably recall seeing a sign with the graphic depiction of an individual sitting in a wheelchair outside of the restroom. This means that the restroom is wheelchair accessible. It is a mandatory sign that must be hung in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Using signs with universally recognizable symbols helps people of all cultures, who speak many different languages, understand the message being conveyed by the sign.
Museums and schools like to display more elaborate wall signs that carry a message or project an image. A large, 15 foot wide and 10 foot tall sign might hang in a history museum as part of an exhibit. These signs are pretty heavy and should be hung with great care. They generally are not attached flat against the wall, but instead, are installed so that they are positioned about an inch from the wall.
In many retail establishments, signs are hung for the purpose of providing a warning or displaying a store policy. As an example, a music store might warn its customers that there are no refunds when you buy music or video games. A restaurant might post a sign advertising the specialty of the house. Yes, there is a sign, sign everywhere a sign.
