From the feedback I received it was clear that my signs need to be illuminated. Illuminated signs increase visibility and stimulate the visual senses of viewers. Especially effective at night or in conditions of low visibility. I wanted to explore the materials needed to carry out this process.
Illuminated signs are really effective at catching attention and having a message stand out. There are various styles of illumination a sign can utilise, such as: back-lit, face-lit, edge-lit and halo-lit. Illuminated signs can be made to any size or shape, from a standard square light box sign through to a fully customised shaped sign tray stencil cut and inlaid with acrylic or with built up letters face illuminated with LEDs.
Back-lit:
A sign consisting of a cabinet containing a light source and a translucent face. It has uses in businesses, shopping centres, airports and train stations, they are also heavily used for advertising. Ensures they will be visible no matter what the lighting situation is. Indoors and outdoors use. Very easy to take care of as only the front of the sign needs to be kept clean. Usually made with vinyl or acrylic to withstand the heat and intensity of the light behind it. If its not a high quality material the sign will begin to fade over time, if looked after, lower quality signs can last 3 years without fading.
Face-lit:
A sign which illuminates only from the front (or face) mainly focuses on individual lettering. Extremely popular choice of sign in the retail sector as it gives a dramatic, fun look to logos. The sign is lit internally by LED lighting which has a low power consumption of 12 volts. Have been proven to be long lasting and maintenance free. LEDs can be programmed for colour change, fading colours, and unique sequences that will attract the eye.
Edge-lit:
With edge lit illuminated signs, the engraved part of the sign lights up, while the rest of the sign lights up creating the effect of floating letters or images. Generally used for advertising inside. They are an incredibly efficient form of illuminated signage and can be created from acrylic panels or by utilising LED's.
Halo-lit:
The face of the letter is covered in either an opaque vinyl, acrylic or flat cut metal that prevents any face illumination through the letter or logo. This forces all of the illumination, generated by either fluorescent or LED illumination, through the edges of the push through acrylic which is either in clear or opal. It produces an effective, attractive halo effect which gives an overall 'glow' effect to the fascia sign and the lettering or logo then appears 'black' or 'dark' against the bright light.
Most appropriate method for my signage:
I think the most appropriate form of illuminated signage would be back-lit as it works well in all lighting situations. The signs on the outside of the building will be visible at night time and in foggy conditions. The signs are also easy to take care of the face of the sign only needs to be wiped down. A cheaper lower quality material can also be used but still last a reasonably long time. LED lights could be used on the inside which has low power consumption and they last a long time. LED can also be programmed to colour change so this would work cohesively with the different coloured arrows.
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