The world is a large place in which billions of people go about their lives on daily basis on business of their own. Somehow these people have to get to work, get home, feed the family and the dog and still manage to get something done. Sometimes there are not enough hours in a day and organization is a paramount key to a successful day. This is where signs can come in. From the humble restroom sign to the important road signs on the highway to warning signs, these simple constructions help to organize the world around us.

Signs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and these shapes form part of a sign's basic function. Simple signs like the restroom sign do not need to be elaborate, very bright or draw attention. Its function is simply to indicate where the restroom is located. Other signs like the exit sign in building, on the other hand, need not be elaborate but need to be clear and visible. This why the restroom sign is often a discrete sign while the exit sign is often lit up and colored a bright red to draw attention to it.

The shape of a sign also plays a role in its function. This may not be apparent in something like a restroom sign but become important in traffic signs or other signs where the detail on the sign might not be noticed but the general shape and color of the sign is instantly visible. The stop sign, for example, is a red octagon with a white border and the word 'STOP' written in white in the center of the sign. It is instantly recognizable and has the same general appearance and shape in every country of the world though the colors and wording may differ. The point is that no matter where a person is, the stop sign is recognized even before the word in its center is read. Most traffic signs are standard throughout the world with the differences lying in the color and language on the sign.

Placing a sign is also an important part of a sign's function. The restroom sign, that has been visited before, is usually placed in a discrete but visible location in a restaurant or hotel but is often more visible in large open places like a shopping mall or a stadium. Road signs that indicate directions on highways are placed above the road so they can be easily seen. Warning signs are placed near the area where the danger that the sign warns against can be found. There is little point in a 'hardhat' sign being next to a lake in Africa.

Signs are important to our everyday lives and keep things organized. They help to keep us on track and give us vital information. Even the restroom sign has an important job at certain times. If these signs are not properly placed, shaped and colored for their purpose then there is no point in having one. Signs are usually there for a reason. Ignore them at your own peril.