New campus COVID signs
In Spring 2020 a campus-wide COVID signage working group was tasked with developing clear COVID signs to support and share the University's evolving COVID-19 policies. The working group partnered with Applied Wayfinding, a London-based company that specializes in dealing with complex information, to develop signs to clearly and effectively share our COVID policies. The new suite of Princeton University COVID signs provide safety information using colorful graphics and icons developed around 4 types of signs:
- Campus Signs - located on campus grounds, exterior to buildings.
- Instruction signs - fast information in high-risk areas and environments.
- Guidance notices - slow information in moderate-risk areas to provide more detail.
- Spatial markers/Decals - instructions that can be directly applied to surfaces.
The COVID-19 Sign Content & Placement Guidance document shows the full set of Princeton University COVID sign templates and explains the different types of signs, sign placement, and scenarios for installation. Sign installation began in late August 2020 and in some cases replaced earlier versions that were temporary as we responded quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic. These COVID signs are repositionable vinyl, which means no paper to tear or tape to dispense. Staff within Facilities are ensuring COVID signs are installed in all campus buildings. The sign templates cover a variety of scenarios and locations, yet there may be situations where a new sign may be needed. If you can't find a sign to meet a safety concern, please submit a Facilities Renovation/Capital Request form and someone from Facilities or Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) will contact you.
Applied Wayfinding applies their skillset for all
Recognizing organizations around the world may be struggling with social distancing for COVID safety, Applied Wayfinding wanted to help. "Post-lockdown rules are not simple, and there is plenty of confusion with different messages and a cacophony of signs often describing the same thing in different ways. The overarching question is, are these messages and signs effective? With our expert understanding of human behavior in the built environment, we’ve thought about how we can help end the confusion around social distancing. Our response is the development of the COVID-19 Design Toolkit. It has been created for governments, public, and private sector organizations to help the public practice social distancing effectively." Check out their toolkit, free for everyone to use.