Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to make a sign that would normally be run-of-the-mill more effective and attractive. Cool Springs Eyecare, located in Franklin, TN, wanted a slat directory system showing which employees are on duty. The typical solution for this would be woodgrain or plastic signs with sliding name plates, but Chuck (our resident indoor signage expert) decided that Cool Springs Eyecare was way too cool for the average!

We've done work for Cool Springs Eyecare before, and they really are super cool! They are a full service eyecare facility so you can get your eyes examined, buy designer frames, get laser surgery, and even go through an eye-training program to become a better athlete.

Much more professional looking than having a dry erase board or something with sliding slats!

The sign is made out of a quarter-inch pane of frosted clear acrylic that has laser cut silver acrylic letters bonded to it. The black lettering on the left is also bonded to the pane, and then the slats are attached on the right using magnets. There are twelve slats (one for each employee) with magnets attached to the back so employees can mark who's working. This is helpful to customers who are looking for help with something in particular. Chuck initially considered attaching the slats to the pane using architectural standoffs, but he realized they would be inefficient and not very user-friendly, so he decided to go with noedymium magnets.

Neodymium magnets, or "rare-earth" magnets, are some of the strongest kinds of magnets on earth. Incidentally, they also sound like something that would be used as a weapon by a Stan Lee super-villain.  

The name plates with magnetic standoffs can be easily taken on and off to show who's working.

The term "rare earth magnet" is something of a misnomer because the metals used to make this particular magnetic alloy are about as rare as tin. Still, they are pretty darn cool because they are the strongest types of magnets you can make. This means they'll last a really long time and the only reason they should need new slats is if they get new employees. We chose magnets that are also plated to keep them shiny and to prevent corrosion, because—as you know—we like to keep it classy over here :)

Interested in creative solutions to your own signage problems? Contact us today for a free quote and consulation on your project!