Welcome to the Sign Design Society
The Sign Design Society (SDS) is for anyone interested in information and graphic communication within buildings and public spaces, including:
- Wayfinding
- Interpretative graphics
- Brand and experiential/environmental graphics
- Statutory and health & safety signs
As well as raising the profile of our disciplines, we offer members a programme of events, resources and initiatives to help them:
- Keep up to date and improve their practice
- Find potential consultants, collaborators & employees
- Promote their work and capabilities
To join choose a membership plan that suits you and sign up!
Our events
Discover what’s positive and exciting in the world right now for wayfinding and placemaking, from bold, people-first design to smart new tech.
15 October 2026 (1pm BST) Approachable, friendly, and playful – these are the qualities most often associated with rounded sans typefaces in Europe. Yet these associations are far from universal. In Japan, rounded sans are often the voice of authority – they are not only far more commonly used in public typography than in many […]
Interested in a membership?
News
2nd edition Sign design guide now available to buy!
The new edition of the guide continues to provide practical guidance to experts and non-specialists alike, based on both best practice in inclusive design and the latest research.
Third party events
Can a typeface ever represent a country, or is this just something that graphic designers imagine? Does Helvetica really say Switzerland? Does Antique Olive look French? Is Baskerville the face of England? And when it comes to Scotland, what would that be?
For this special event, we’re bringing together eight speakers who’ll share their unique perspectives on typography and type design. They will share how they experience the world of type – not just through observation, but through tuning into to their craft, their peers, feedback, stories, rhythms and histories that shape our creative practice.
Oldest working commercial letterpress printers in the UK – a living museum of Victorian history. Book a 90 minute guided tour (three times per day on Mondays and Thursdays during September and October).
To celebrate Commercial Type’s latest release, Spectator, Paul Barnes will talk on Scottish type and its impact on the world. Can a typeface ever represent a country, or is this just something that graphic designers imagine? Does Helvetica really say Switzerland? Does Antique Olive look French? Is Baskerville the face of England? And when it comes to Scotland, what would that be?
Oldest working commercial letterpress printers in the UK – a living museum of Victorian history. Book a guided 90 minute tour.