Building a Signage Hierarchy: Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Signs
An effective signage system uses a hierarchy of sign types, each serving a different purpose. This guide explains how to design and implement a three-tier signage hierarchy using primary identification signs, secondary directional signs, and tertiary reinforcement signs.
A single sign on a door is not a wayfinding system. Effective wayfinding requires a coordinated hierarchy of signs, each serving a specific purpose at a specific point in the resident's journey. The DSDC defines three levels of signage: primary signs that identify destinations, secondary signs that provide direction, and tertiary signs that reinforce location and confirm correct navigation. Together, these three tiers create a complete information system that guides residents from any starting point to any destination within the building.
Primary Signs: Destination Identification#
Primary signs are the most familiar type of care home signage: door signs that identify what lies behind each door. These signs must clearly communicate the room's purpose (toilet, dining room, bedroom) and, for personal spaces, the resident's name. Primary signs are positioned on or immediately adjacent to the door they identify, at a consistent height of 1200mm from the floor to the centre of the sign. They should feature realistic imagery, high-contrast colours, clear typography, and tactile elements. Every door that a resident might open should have a primary sign; doors that residents should not open (store cupboards, staff areas) should be unsigned and ideally disguised to blend with the surrounding wall.
Recommended Products
Our DSDC 1A-accredited door signs serve as primary identification signs in your wayfinding hierarchy. Available in oak, walnut, and a full range of colour options, each sign features realistic 3D imagery, high-contrast typography, and optional Braille. Personalised signs for bedrooms allow each resident's room to be distinctively identified.
Secondary Signs: Directional Guidance#
Secondary signs answer the question 'Which way?' rather than 'What is this?'. They are positioned at corridor junctions, lift lobbies, and any point where a resident must choose a direction. A secondary sign typically features the name of one or more destinations, a directional arrow, and supporting imagery. The DSDC recommends limiting each secondary sign to no more than three destinations to avoid cognitive overload. Secondary signs should prioritise the most commonly needed destinations: toilets, dining rooms, and bedroom wings. They should use the same design language and colour palette as primary signs to create visual consistency across the signage system.
Tertiary Signs: Reinforcement and Confirmation#
Tertiary signs are the least common but potentially the most impactful tier. These are small, simple signs placed along routes to confirm that the resident is going the correct way. A small 'Dining Room' sign with an arrow, placed midway along a long corridor, reassures a resident that they are on the right path. Tertiary signs also include zone identifiers, floor-level indicators, and 'You Are Here' maps. They do not introduce new information but reinforce what primary and secondary signs have already communicated. Their function is reassurance rather than instruction.
Implementing a three-tier signage hierarchy:
- Audit every door in the building and install appropriate primary signs on all rooms residents access
- Map every decision point (junction, lobby, stairwell) and install secondary directional signs at each
- Identify long corridors and routes where residents might lose confidence, and add tertiary confirmation signs
- Ensure all three tiers use consistent colours, typography, imagery style, and mounting height
- Prioritise high-traffic routes: bedroom to toilet, bedroom to dining room, lounge to garden
- Review the hierarchy annually and adjust as the building or resident population changes
Recommended Products
Our product range is designed to fill all three tiers of the signage hierarchy. Door signs serve as primary identification, directional signs and projecting signs provide secondary guidance at junctions, and decal signs offer lightweight tertiary reinforcement along routes. All products share DSDC 1A-accredited design consistency.
Pro Tip
Test your signage hierarchy by asking a new staff member or visitor to navigate from a random bedroom to the dining room using only the signs. If they can do it without asking for directions, your hierarchy is working. If they hesitate or take a wrong turn, identify the gap and add the appropriate tier of signage.
Cost-effectiveness
A well-planned signage hierarchy is more cost-effective than an ad-hoc approach because it eliminates redundant signs (where too many compete for attention) and fills genuine gaps (where no information is available). Most care homes waste money on unnecessary signs while leaving critical decision points unsigned. A hierarchical approach ensures every sign earns its place.
Related Articles
The Ultimate Wayfinding Strategy for Care Homes
A comprehensive master guide to developing an effective wayfinding strategy that helps residents living with dementia navigate independently, covering signage systems, environmental design, colour coding, landmarks, and ongoing evaluation.
Navigating Junctions & Decision Points in Care Homes
Junctions are where residents with dementia most frequently become lost. This guide explains how to design decision points that provide clear, unambiguous directional information through signage, landmarks, colour cues, and spatial design.
Designing Corridors That Guide: Wayfinding in Care Home Hallways
Corridors are the most challenging spaces for residents with dementia to navigate. This guide covers how to transform uniform hallways into intuitive wayfinding routes using signage, colour differentiation, landmarks, lighting, and environmental design.
How to Conduct a Wayfinding Audit in Your Care Home
A wayfinding audit is the essential first step to improving navigation in your care home. This practical guide provides a step-by-step checklist for assessing signage, landmarks, lighting, colour contrast, and environmental cues throughout your facility.