Prior to that, there was little concern for the continuity of design, color, letter style, or installation, and interior signs were considered utilitarian in nature. Once buildings began appearing with attractive, professionally designed signage systems, an appreciation developed for the part that signage plays in the success of the facility. Each type of facility has its own unique set of requirements for identification and wayfinding , and it is incumbent on the designer to analyze and address those. For example, a typical small retail store or restaurant in a downtown shopping area primarily requires identification to attract customers passing by. Once in the store, visitors are directed by departmental and merchandising type signage.
Larger stores employ directories, and wayfinding signage to get to various departments or floors.
As the stores become larger, and thus more complex, the demand for signage increases. In the mall setting, retailers are dependent on their identification sign to attract customers, however, the mall owner is concerned with disseminating information regarding the entire facility and attracting and retaining more tenants. Such amenities as large map directories at each entrance, directional signs for restrooms, food courts, first aid, and emergency exits are keys to the overall success of the enterprise. Hotels and resorts require intensive signage for wayfinding throughout the facility, of which very little is escorted. Beyond simply finding the correct room number, modern hotels and resorts embrace many of the same retail options found in a mall, and directional signs along with signs that provide for the safety of guests are essential.