These restroom signs once left someone stumped for 10 minutes, unable to tell the men’s from the women’s. Let’s decode the visual clues:
The Left Figure (Female): Maybe softer features, long hair, or a girly outfit were the cues. But these can blend with modern male or gender-neutral looks.
The Right Figure (Male): A short haircut, square jaw, or plain clothes might mean masculinity, but these lines are blurry.
With such slight differences, it’s no shock people hesitate. Vague design, especially when you’re desperate for the loo, leads to frustration.
So, how do we make sure restroom signs do their job without the chaos? Here are some tips for nailing signage:
Stick with the trusty stick figures or clear icons. Even in a creative zone, function beats form.
Pair symbols with simple text like “Men” or “Women”. That way, anyone can ID the restroom, no matter their background.
For all-gender facilities, use clean, inclusive signs. A toilet icon or “Restroom” works. No need to overcomplicate.
Before putting up signs, test them on a mixed bag of people. If one person falters or misreads, it’s time for a redo.