Office Signage: The Power of Visual Hierarchy
When it comes to office signage, good design isn’t just about looking sharp or matching your brand colours. It’s about doing a proper job behind the scenes, quietly guiding people where they need to go, keeping things clear and helping your space feel calm and easy to navigate.
And the magic ingredient that makes all that work? Visual hierarchy.
In plain terms, it’s how you use things like font size, placement, colour and layout to show people what to look at first, second and next. Done well, it means nobody has to stop and think too hard.
Visual hierarchy isn’t just a graphic design buzzword. It’s a practical tool that turns your signage from “just decorative” into something genuinely useful and intuitive. And in busy environments like multi-floor offices, shared spaces or public-facing buildings? It can make all the difference.
Let’s break it down with some real-life examples, simple tips and a recent project we completed for Magenta Living to show how smart signage can shape a better experience for everyone who steps through the door.
What Even Is Visual Hierarchy?
Visual hierarchy might sound a bit technical, but it’s really just about helping the eye know where to look first. It’s a core design principle that controls how people read and move through a layout, whether it’s a poster, a webpage or in this case, signage.
In a signage context, it’s what helps someone instantly figure out what’s most important, like which floor they’re on and what they need to do next, such as heading left for the bathroom or right for the lift.
Without that structure, signage can quickly become overwhelming, especially in busy buildings where people don’t want to stop and squint at every wall.
In workplaces clear visual hierarchy can take the guesswork out of wayfinding. It keeps people moving smoothly, cuts down on interruptions and makes the whole environment feel more professional and thought-through.
Case Study: Full Building Internal Office Signage for Magenta Living
We recently completed a bold and practical glass manifestation project for Magenta Living, working across five floors of their Wirral office.
Each level featured its own vibrant colour scheme, from bright pink to turquoise, with large floor numbers, directional arrows and motivating messages designed to boost mood as well as navigation.
The decals weren’t just for decoration. They served a dual purpose of transforming the look of the space while reinforcing wayfinding at every turn. Each graphic made it crystal clear which floor visitors were on and how to get to key areas like the South or West Wing.
✅ Multi-floor consistency
✅ Wayfinding support
✅ Privacy with decals
✅ Values on show
✅ Professional finish
It’s a great example of how glass surfaces can be turned into valuable communication tools, not just empty panels.
Want to see more examples? Browse our project gallery here.
Font Size, Weight and Placement: Guiding the Eye Naturally
Your eyes naturally go to the biggest, boldest element on a sign first. That’s why floor numbers, key locations (e.g. reception, south wing) and emergency exits need to stand out. Use size and weight to create emphasis, but be careful not to crowd the layout.
At Magenta Living, each floor is clearly labelled with large numbers and bold directional copy, placed at consistent eye level to guide both staff and visitors quickly.
Icons vs. Text: Finding the Right Balance
Icons can reduce cognitive load, especially for people who speak different languages, are neurodivergent or simply need information fast. But icons on their own can be ambiguous.
That’s why pairing them with short text works best.
Not every office needs a full symbol set, but using well-known pictograms (like arrows, stair icons, lift symbols or hearts for wellbeing rooms) adds clarity.
Colour, Contrast and Readability in the Workplace
Colour isn’t just for aesthetics. It can also aid wayfinding and accessibility. High contrast between text and background improves legibility, especially for people with visual impairments. And using colour-coding for different departments can make navigation more intuitive.
Design Consistency Across Multi-Floor Offices
Consistency is key when you’re dealing with five, six or more levels. A clear, repeated layout means users don’t need to re-learn signage every time they go up or down a floor. Keep typefaces, icon styles, spacing and alignment uniform throughout.
This is especially important in shared or public buildings, where a mix of departments and foot traffic can lead to visual clutter. One well-planned signage scheme streamlines the whole experience.
How Good Signage Improves User Experience
Think of signage as silent customer service. When it’s done well, it blends into the background, but in the best way possible. Good signage enhances the overall experience.
● Helps people move through your space smoothly, knowing where to go without second-guessing.
● Reduces confusion and eases pressure on reception or front desk staff.
● Makes your environment feel more welcoming and professional.
● Reinforces your brand tone and values subtly but effectively.
● Adds personality and warmth to otherwise blank or functional spaces.
When Clients Visit, They Notice Everything
Whether it's a long-standing client popping in for a quarterly review or a new prospect seeing your office for the first time, first impressions don’t stop at reception.
Your signage plays a big part in how professional, credible and considered your business feels, especially in sectors where trust is everything.
Subtle Cues Build Trust
When signage is done right, it quietly tells people you’re on the ball. Clear hierarchies, bold headings, directional arrows in the right places and polished finishes all show that you care about the details. And for businesses in law, finance or consultancy, that’s exactly what clients want to see.
It’s not just about looking good either. Proper visual hierarchy helps visitors intuitively understand where to go and what to expect with no awkward wandering, no checking in with the wrong team. It’s smooth, seamless and professional.
Look the Part at Every Floor
We’ve all been in buildings where reception is spotless and every floor after that looks like an afterthought. Consistency matters. From ground floor entrances to top-floor meeting rooms, joined-up signage keeps your space feeling cohesive and calm.
For multi-storey offices like Magenta Living, we helped apply branded glass decals across five floors, not just for wayfinding, but to keep their identity strong from top to bottom. When your signage works that well, clients don’t just find their way. They get a sense of who you are.
Get Signage That Looks Smart and Works Hard
Need help improving your office signage? Whether you’re working on a new fit-out, upgrading a busy workspace or simply want your building to be more accessible, our team is here to help.
We handle everything from design and layout to compliance, materials and installation. Your signage not only looks smart, but actually works.
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