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S I G N & D I G I T A L G R A P H I C S • August 2016 • 65 Keeping up with today's guidelines and regulations for A DA -compliant signage might seem like a difficult task for sign shops looking for new design options for their clients. However, by keeping a few simple rules in mind while designing your signs, it's still possible to create attractive, great-looking signs that also fully meet all ADA regulations. What's Trending? When considering A DA signage trends, right now "we're seeing more visual text on permanent room signs," says Hank McMahon, president, SignMojo.com, Chattanooga, Tennessee. "This works very well stylistically, but can sometimes force an increase to the size of the sign and therefore the cost. We're also seeing a lot of wood grains and metallic materials being used in con- junction with acrylics. The other trend is of course the outsourcing of ADA signs. "If I were starting out in this busi- ness today," McMahon continues, "unless I was going to make a huge financial commitment to supporting ADA signs specifically, dedicated staff, machines, regulation compliance, and design work, personally, I would outsource the work as a first resort. It can be a tough business model to support." Bill Freeman, vice president of archi- tectural sales at Howard Industries in Fairview, Pennsylvania, says he is seeing more use of user-friendly paper insert signs with removable ADA-compliant lens covers being used. "This allows customers to print and upgrade their own sign content. Also popular are inte- rior signs constructed of multiple lay- ered substrates offering custom looks that complement/match interior décor. A DA -compliant room identification signs accompanied with industry spe- cific applications have also increased in demand. For example, healthcare sig- nage that displays vital patient-specific information for improving hospital staff communication," he adds. More Branding Options Gary Harder, director at Duets by Gemini, Canon Falls, Minnesota, says that many customers are looking for more creative ADA signs that incorpo- rate design, branding, and also meet ADA requirements. "This is often driven by corporate rebranding, new construc- tion, and consolidation/takeovers. Many buildings have multi-purpose rooms, or utilize modular designs, which demand more flexible signage," he explains. Jessica Heldman-Beck, marketing manager at Rowmark L L C , Findlay, Ohio, also reports that the biggest trend that they are seeing in ADA signage is the incorporation of branding into the over- all signage plan for environmental spaces. "Customers are seeking more architec- tural aesthetic options to fit their corpo- rate branding and image. For nearly 30 years, Rowmark has been manufacturing matte, eggshell products that meet the requirements for ADA-compliant sig- nage. Our offering has grown to include over 100 ADA-complaint material col- ors for sign makers to select from when The sample on the left features a com- bination of UV-LED printing on clear acrylic with an ADA Alternative Applique and Substrate tactile insert. The sample on the right features Rowmark's ADA Alternative Applique and ColorHues substrate layered with laser decorated ColorHues sheet options to create dimensional signage with branding. (Image courtesy of Rowmark) A world leader in way-finding signage • Curved or Flat • Small or Large • Let us do it your way-finding! Call now for a free media pack (800) 468-4782 www.vistasystem.com usa@vistasystem.com