road+signs

=Road Signs in Ontario*=
 * Although this really applies to road signs everywhere for research purposes we will stick to our own province.

Description: Road signs are everywhere. They are an extremely simple form of environmental graphics and they are understood by everyone. Typography is minimal, shapes are simple and colors are bold. While road signs may differ slightly from place to place- the language is practically universal. These signs are easy to read from a distance and when in a fast moving vehicle. Road signs are kind of like the Helvetica of environmental graphics. They are everywhere, yet they don't take over the visually environment. They are simple, well designed and easy to read.

Analysis: It is not a coincidence road signs are so widely understood. For one, they make use of a widely understood visual language. For example, red means stop. Some signs, also use simple diagrams to illustrate what they are trying to say- such as men at work signs. Another reason these signs are understood is because people are taught to understand them- both informally as they grow up but also they are required to take a test where they are asked to decipher road signs before they get their learners permit.

For more information visit: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/signs/