ISO 28564-3:2019

Overview

ISO 28564-3:2019 - "Public information guidance systems - Part 3: Guidelines for the design and use of information index signs" provides guidance and requirements for creating effective information index signs used in public places. The standard supports integrated wayfinding systems by defining preparation, design, construction, inspection and updating processes for signs that list facilities and services on a given floor or in a zone. It is intended for multi-floor buildings and open areas such as airports, railway and bus stations, shopping centres, hospitals, museums, parks and commercial office buildings.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose: Defines what an information index sign should achieve - enable users to quickly identify facilities, understand spatial relationships and decide routes.
• Core components: Every index sign should include title, location information (floor or zone) and content information (list of facilities/services).
• Preparation and brief: Establishes the need, area coverage, relationship to adjacent areas, data gathering and sign positioning before design starts.
• Design principles: Emphasizes legibility, conspicuity, consistency, simplicity, prioritization of messages, appropriate use of languages, avoidance of excessive jargon/abbreviations, inclusivity and environmental sensitivity.
• Visual characteristics: Guidance on graphical symbols, text and numerals, colour use and layout zoning (prioritization and sequencing of information).
• Sign carrier and hardware: Material selection, control of glare and reflections, illumination, sustainability considerations and non‑static (digital) applications.
• Inspection and updating: Protocols for maintaining accuracy over time and adapting signs as facilities change.
• Examples and annexes: Illustrative examples and recommendations for codes across floors/open areas (Annex A and B).

Practical applications and users

Who benefits:

• Wayfinding and signage designers
• Architects and urban planners
• Facility and estate managers (airports, stations, malls, hospitals)
• Sign manufacturers and installers
• Transport authorities and venue operators

Typical uses:

• Designing index panels in multi‑storey buildings and large open sites
• Coordinating index signs with maps, direction signs and digital wayfinding apps
• Updating signage programs during renovations or layout changes

Related standards

ISO 28564-3 is intended to be used with other ISO guidance, notably:

• ISO 28564-1 (location plans and maps)
• ISO 28564-2 (location and direction signs)
• ISO 3864-1, ISO 3864-3 (graphical symbol and safety colour principles)
• ISO 7001, ISO 7010 (public information and safety symbols)
• ISO 9186 series and ISO 22727 (symbol testing and creation)

Keywords: ISO 28564-3:2019, information index signs, wayfinding, sign design, public information guidance systems, legibility, accessibility, signage standards.