State the decision
Write the action the sign must support: identify an entrance, choose a route, confirm arrival, warn of a hazard or explain a rule. One sign can carry several messages, but each additional task competes for attention.
ROUTE 01 / IDENTIFY
Plan the decision before drawing the sign
A useful brief begins with users, decisions, approaches, constraints and maintenance—not with a favorite material or typeface.
Name the audience
Record who approaches, how they travel, likely languages, familiarity with the site, vision or mobility needs and whether stress or time pressure is likely.
Survey the approach
Photograph the sightline from realistic positions. Note speed, angle, competing visual information, glare, seasonal foliage, snow storage and parked vehicles.
Create a message hierarchy
Separate primary destination or action from secondary detail. If everything is emphasized, nothing is prioritized.
Define constraints
List property boundaries, landlord rules, electrical access, structural limits, applicable codes, permit review and expected maintenance access.
Set verification points
Require scale proofs, color samples, mounting details, message schedules, site checks and final punch-list review.
WORKSHEET / 01
Build a brief →Turn the survey into a sign brief
The browser-local builder records purpose, audience, environment, viewing distance and maintenance priorities. It does not produce engineering or code approval.