How to Build Effective Wayfinding Systems

Wayfinding systems comprise information and design architecture that helps you orient yourself in any space and navigate your way from one location to the next. Whether you are in corporate, healthcare, retail, or hospitality, a well-designed and implemented wayfinding system in built environments holds several advantages.

As a business, building wayfinding systems that are functional and intuitive can influence customer behavior and encourage potential customers to explore what you have to offer. In fact, 42% of respondents in a survey said they discover new products through retail stores, and an ineffective wayfinding system will only make you lose out on this market.

On the other hand, an effective wayfinding system will transform what may be a potentially stressful experience into a good one that will enhance brand perception and make customers want to make a repeat visit.

Effective wayfinding ensures that navigation through space is not only intuitive but also safe and accessible for all users. The leveraging of technological advancements also holds great potential for creating navigation experiences that are not only intuitive but also immersive and personalized.

Understanding User Needs: User-Centric Design

Conducting comprehensive user research and needs analysis is critical to developing a user-centered design for your wayfinding system. A thorough assessment of human factors in wayfinding covers identifying the user groups that will use the system and their specific navigation challenges. Among these factors are the age and accessibility needs of the key user groups.

For example, mobility issues will be a critical consideration in a hospital setting when designing an effective wayfinding system. In this case, precise and wide pathways are a must-have to accommodate wheelchair users. You will also need to ensure the design of your wayfinding signage is intuitive, even for people with disabilities. 

Planning and Designing Wayfinding Systems

Understanding user needs should be in the context of an overall assessment of the physical layout of the built environment, the traffic flow, existing wayfinding solutions, and landmarks. This all-around context will help you define the requirements, scope, goals, and objectives of the wayfinding system.

With an understanding of user needs and behavior, you can then develop a wayfinding strategy. The strategy will outline the system’s goals and should be aligned with the overall design of the space for which you create the wayfinding system. In addition to the strategy, you will need a master plan highlighting the specific steps you will take to achieve these goals.

Consider critical elements of effective wayfinding, including signage, architecture, and technology, during navigation planning. Well-designed signage that is easy-to-read, clear, and concise is a primary element of effective wayfinding.

Actually, digital wayfinding solutions are more versatile than static wayfinding systems. This wayfinding technology is dynamic and highly adaptable for use in any environment. From directional signs to informational signs and identification signs, there are different types of wayfinding signage.

Implementation and Installation

Effective collaboration with designers, architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals ensures the implementation phase runs smoothly. In addition to ensuring the system is implemented correctly, these professionals may have some input to improve the design of the wayfinding system.

Iterative testing is fundamental to creating an effective wayfinding system. Prototype and test the system with real users to identify specific pain points of the user and what areas need improvement. Testing helps to better map user journeys and measures the effectiveness of the wayfinding system, especially at decision points.

Wayfinding design principles inform installation best practices, including visibility, simplicity, clarity, and consistency. Strategic signage placement at entrance exits, intersections, and other decision points will guide the user’s decision-making process. Visibility is crucial, and you can achieve this with clear, high-contrast signage with large and easy-to-read fonts and symbols.

Visual communication in architecture includes using landmarks and referencing them in your wayfinding signage to make user journeys more intuitive and help orient the users. Also, ensure your system is accessible, even for those with disabilities, and this may include incorporating tactile elements such as raised lettering or Braille and including auditory cues.

Maintenance and Evaluation

Proper and regular maintenance of your wayfinding system once it is installed will ensure optimal system performance. Preventive maintenance and timely corrective maintenance will ensure any issues with your system don’t become dysfunctional drawbacks that will mean system downtime and customer dissatisfaction.

To this end, develop and keep up with a maintenance schedule that may include software updates and carrying out connectivity tests. For the best outcome, engage the services of a professional who will provide the maintenance and support services.

The final step in designing an effective wayfinding system lies in testing and evaluating its usability and effectiveness. While simulations can be a great information source, you want real-life users’ feedback.

Therefore, conduct usability testing and gather this feedback through observations, surveys, and interviews. Indicators such as speed, accuracy, and overall user satisfaction are excellent for measuring the performance of the wayfinding system. You can use the data and feedback from these performance evaluations to adjust the system design and make it more effective.

Case Studies

One of the projects in our wayfinding portfolio is the wayfinding solution for Tamarack Centre. The digital signage solution at this shopping center serves as a wayfinding tool and building directory, in addition to being an infotainment hub. The solution comprises three digital signage screens at the entrance of the shopping center, all powered by Mvix. 

The customer experience has drastically improved with the implementation of the wayfinding solution, as the center now provides detailed directories of its tenants and guides them to the various stores. In fact, potential congestion is no longer a concern as customers can easily find their way around the shopping center. The center also enjoys easy and prompt updating of tenant information whenever there is a change of tenancy.

The success of this solution further highlights the importance of following wayfinding design principles. The placement of the signs at the entrance where they can easily be seen, with due consideration to the height, angles, and lighting at the shopping center, is one of the most significant contributors to the solution’s success.

Moreover, the information on the signs is simple and easy to read and understand, so there is no ambiguity. The message on the signs is simple and concise, avoiding information overload that can easily overwhelm users. Also, feedback from the users has emphasized their satisfaction with how the message is to the point.

Future Trends in Wayfinding Design

Wayfinding technology is constantly evolving and reshaping the wayfinding landscape. Some technological advances and trends that offer exciting possibilities for the future of wayfinding include the following.

• Integration with Smart Technology

Virtual reality is one of the technologies that will revolutionize wayfinding. Users can familiarize themselves and explore the built environment before physically visiting the space.

• Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Using eco-friendly materials for wayfinding signage reflects a commitment to sustainability. Digital signage is paperless and friendly for the environment by reducing paper waste. Similarly, solar-powered wayfinding signage is growing increasingly popular.

Harnessing the sun’s power to power your wayfinding system will not only help reduce your carbon footprint, but it is also cost-effective. Actually, 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy, and you too, can be a part of the movement by prioritizing sustainability when building wayfinding systems.

• Personalized Wayfinding Experiences

Harnessing data analytics presents opportunities for creating more personalized and smarter wayfinding experiences.

Conclusion

Building effective wayfinding systems requires a user-centric approach to the design. This way, you can be sure you are designing and implementing a system that meets the needs and expectations of the users. In the initial design and subsequent improvisations, it’s crucial to observe wayfinding design principles, including simplicity, visibility, and consistency.

Technological developments will undoubtedly drive the growth of the wayfinding market, which is projected to hit USD 10.3 billion by 2030. Designers, architects, facility managers, and other stakeholders must embrace these advancements and reshape how people navigate their way through built environments by building highly effective and efficient wayfinding systems.