ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the state of the directional signs in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. The aim was to develop bilingual signs using English and Hausa languages and supporting pictorial symbols that would be capable of impacting visual meaning on the target audience - especially towards easing wayfinding challenges for patients, caregivers and visitors. A survey method was applied to examine subjects of the population. An interview was conducted to ascertain the development of the existing signs; questionnaires were also administered on clustered samples from which 50 responses were elicited. The results revealed that in spite of the fact that there are existing directional signs at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, patients, caregivers and visitors were still confronted with navigational difficulties as they moved through various health service units of the hospital. Regardless of their literacy status, majority of those interviewed could recognize 90% of the visual symbols developed for this research. The conclusion was that a well-planned navigational or wayfinding sign system that incorporates standardized pictorial symbols, display fonts, and adhered to appropriate principles and elements of design would guarantee optimal directional needs in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. The study finally recommended that further research on bilingual sign design incorporating other language groups across Nigeria was highly desirable.