Effective Sign Design

VISIBILITY
An inch of letter per 10 foot of viewing distance is the best ratio. The sign should also be appropriately sized for the distance it is to be viewed at. Location is also important with the sign being placed for the most exposure for your audience.
READABILITY
In order to convey your message the way it should, organization is key. Emphasis with large letters, bold type style, and color is best the way to denote keywords and phrases across. Ideas are grouped and separated through use of layout and spacing. The speed and thoroughness of your message can be increased through graphic elements and color graphics.
NOTICEABILITY
Contrasting colors, changeable components, motion, unique design, and attraction are keys to making a noticeable sign. These elements should be incoporated to make the sign standout.
LEGIBILITY
Critical to a sign being effective is the typestyle you choose to use. A font should be distinguishable between each individual letter aswell as conveying the overall image. Script and specialty styles are problematic on signs which will be viewed at a great distance, they should be avoided.