Signs For Government: What They're Used For and How to Design Them

Signs for government purposes are powerful because they aid in branding communications, direction, regulation, and information. While these types of signs are often referred to as primary identification signs, common use signs, operational signs, or project signs, they must still properly represent a single brand or identity. 


As with any type of customized municipal signs, signs for government institutions benefit immensely from a strong and consistent graphic presentation. There are many common goals that pertain to any government signage system. The signs for government purposes typically intend to: 

• Improve communications through consistent appearance and clear, readily understood messages
• Achieve visual consistency and compatibility throughout the government
• Properly and efficiently convey a variety of information based objectives, like regulation, recognition, and direction
• Act as public relations while informing the community of their tax dollars being well spent

Most often, these signs for government buildings and public offices are used for: 

• ADA approved wayfinding signs
• Lobby signage and 3D wall letters
• Restricted access signage for multi-use buildings
• Rules, regulations, and security signage for courthouses, police stations, and other builings
• Directions to employees and citizens to offices, polling locations, meeting rooms, and other locations
• Signs at parks and recreation centers to inform the public of outdoor safety information including wildlife care, trail maps, or nearby plant species
• Event banners that decorate and advertise public events like state fairs, outdoor concerts, or other public festivals
• Visual communication during election season by helping candidates spread their message and gain votes through flags, banners, yard signs, and event graphics for town hall meetings and conversations

When it comes to designing digital signs for government or signs for municipalities, you must consider the five key elements of signage. They include:

• Shape: The shape of a sign can have a lot of meaning, like how a stop sign is always an octagon, so citizens can tell what do to very quickly after identifying it.
• Color: Color has a serious impact on emotions, and it can help citizens identify a brand instantly. Choose colors that represent your building well.
• Image: The image you choose for your sign should be simple and easy to identify, but complex enough to catch people's attention. It's certainly a delicate balance.
• Text: Make sure there is enough text on the sign so citizens can find their way; make the text brief and easy to read.
• Placement: Where you place your sign is important, so consider a spot where people will be able to find it without any struggle.

Nearly 35% of people would not have discovered a business had it not been for their sign. That makes signs essential, and especially for government buildings. You don't want local citizens wondering around looking for the courthouse because there is no sign informing them of its location, for example. If you're in need of a high-quality sign for your government building, contact our experts at Signs Plus today.