For this touchpoint, I show the way-finding signage used to navigate through IKEA, starting from the parking lot to the exit. The signage is a crucial part of this case study. It helps send a message to customers without them having to ask to search for information. The signage explains what to do before realizing that task that needs to be done.

Ideas for signage:

• Parking signs
• Entrance signs
• Sanitizer/Wash Stations
• Signs before entering - safety, how and when to enter
• Waiting area - 6 ft apart signs
• Check out line
• Exit signs
• Direction of traffic flow

IKEA's Current Covid - 19 signage research:

I went into IKEA's store and also found some photos of other IKEA locations to see their covid signage. A lot of IKEAs signage has high visibility and were in locations where people would be looking often. Most signs took up a large areas for highest visibility.

Things I learned from my research:

• Yellow is the has the highest visibility. All important information is always in yellow.
• Copy is brief and to the point
• Simple icons are commonly used and reused for similar topics - heart: Covid/caring for others around you.
• Text is always accompanied by a graphic except for the 6ft strip on the ground

Located on the ground when entering IKEA

Wait line signage outside IKEA - this is the only signage without added illustrations/graphics

Prompts people to stand here to social distance from other.

This is signage when exiting the parking lot. On the other side, is a Welcome message. This is where the new parking graphic will be located.

There was only one of these signs located outside of the store. You would need to be looking for it to see it. I think this sign should be located in more places than just the entrance.

IKEA uses a lot of arrows to direct people. This is effective because the symbol is clear and easily understandable by majority of customers.

This small sign is located on the help desk information booth. I think they effectively use the QR code, and the copy tells customers to scan it for more info.

This sign is located just outside the store. This information is very important since open and closing times vary during these times.

This it the signage on the opposite side of the Thank you for visiting sign (to the left). The arrows point in directions cars can go to park but it can look a little confusing.

In store COVID-19 signage. These signs remind people to try to not touch items unnecessarily

This is IKEA's official safety guidance for Covid-19 protocols

Initial signage sketches:

Based on my findings and the branding style of IKEA, I sketched out some ideas I had for signage.

Three most important signages to be designed for:

1. Parking signs - without this, customers would not understand what the ticket they receive upon entry is for. They would need someone to explain the process to them. A large parking sign with simple, quick instructions (because they are driving in) will help them quickly understand what to do when they get to IKEA.
2. Entrance signs - After waiting in their car, customers need to know where to enter. There are two ways in and out of the building. If we don't have exit or enter sings, this can confuse customers. To keep with safety protocols, having a specific enter only and exit only door is crucial.
3. Sanitizer/ Wash Stations - Through out the store, there are sanitizer stations. Customers need to be aware of their locations so they can quickly and easily access them when they need to. Most items at IKEA can be engaged with, especially the showrooms. Customers will feel safe by having sanitizer and wash stations around the store. This also aids in keeping the spread of COVID - 19 to a minimum.

Final designs of Virtual Wait-line Signage: