Here is an example of retail signage on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. The interior signage (behind the glass above the doors) is specific to the brand Osklen (which is a great sustainable fashion company from Brazil). And the exterior soffit signage is specific to the property in that the same design and typeface is used for all of the retail tenants.

I think that this consistency creates a more elevated feel for the overall property, but the obvious downside is that the retailers don’t get to express their unique brands and identities in quite the same way. Still, I think the above approach is a pretty good compromise. What do you think?

I like this article and photo essay in the Guardian talking about “Hong Kong’s fight to save its neon shimmer.” Neon lights have been a ubiquitous feature of the Hong Kong nightscape since about the middle of the 20th century. They were an outcropping of increasing economic prosperity. And in many ways they really represent the culture of the city – a frenetic free market where entrepreneurs have no choice but to compete for attention. 

But thanks to more restrictive sign ordinances and new technologies (though LED can be made to look pretty similar to neon), there’s growing concern that a fundamental part of Hong Kong’s urban landscape may be disappearing. The article mentions a newish (2017) advocacy group called the Hong Kong Neon Heritage Group, which is trying to raise awareness about the city’s remaining lights.

Love live the neon.

Photo by Sean Foley on Unsplash

The built environment is the environment that we create around ourselves. Signs are a part of that.

Seth Godin recently posted this sign on his blog:

It was seen at LaGuardia Airport.

He then asked a few pertinent questions, dissecting the signs intent. Finally, he suggested the following reword:

Hi. To keep this terminal clean, it’s closed to visitors from midnight until 4 a.m. every night. Ticketed passengers are always welcome.

Which one do you prefer?

Which one is clearer?

Which one speaks to you with empathy?

Dan Pink would call the reword: emotionally intelligent signage.