Humor
This category has got to be one of the most effective forms of signage. It often personifies the business or institution being referred. Much like the "Please do not lean on me" artifact. While it is effective, it has one challenging component that deters many from partaking in it. Humor is subjective, and under today's social climate, there's a much higher likelihood of offending someone. This may be the case, but we cannot ignore the benefits of using humor in signage.
A fascinating aspect of humor is that it immediately develops a relationship between the thing being laughed at and the person laughing. It creates rapport and memorability. Many can agree that it is easier to remember a sign you laughed at rather than one that bored you. By developing this relationship with consumers, businesses can build trust with them, making it easier to sell. Still, even public spaces like a train station in New York use humor to remind passengers to refrain from placing their shoes on their seats. Directional signs do this as well so that the humor can make people more comfortable. As for the case of the "If You're Lost..." a struggling student who is late to class would find it comforting to know there are many others who need this help. Humor, in this way, can be delightful; it's essential to acknowledge the real benefits humor can bring to any conversation, especially on a sign.