What is Wayfinding?
Being a signage company we often give this question a lot of thought! We’re frequently asked by our clients to design wayfinding solutions for their building or venue. And, there is much debate amongst us ‘signies’ about whether wayfinding is an art or a science. For many the term wayfinding can be confusing. For others (like me) who take a simpler approach to english (!) the word breaks down nicely into 2 parts. Firstly WAY. Well this is a lovely little noun that literally describes ”a road, track, or path for travelling along’. Secondly FINDING – with a definition that is ‘the action of finding someone or something’. So simply put, this is a great combination word that describes finding one’s way and it is used in signage to depict signs that do just that. Help people find their way.
The wayfinding purists will tell you that it is both an art form and a science, with many hours laboured to find the balance between the two to achieve perfection.
Our S&L philosophy hinges on two concepts as follows:-
- ‘easing navigation for the end user’
- ‘communicating the right message at the right time’
Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space. This is not always signs and signage, but typically signage will play a part in the solution.
Read on to find out more about this fascinating topic…
How to Add Wayfinding into your Signage Strategy
If your objective is to help customers, employees or users find their way around your business, facility or environment then a conversation needs to be had around wayfinding. Here are some key considerations about how to add wayfinding into your signage strategy.
- A wayfinding strategy is essential to ensure signs are both consistent and simple to understand;
- Wayfinding is an important topic for all types of signage – especially directional and information signs;
- Conducting a detailed analysis of your site(s) will help to understand:-
- the various users involved;
- Usage patterns – time, day, duration etc;
- The needs of the users – how quickly does the information need to be available;
- Frequency of use.
- Sign design is critical – develop signage that harmonises with a building or facility’s different uses and users;
- Use braillant signage where necessary – keep regulatory factors in mind;
- Clearly identify on working drawings the ideal locations of signage – let the signs be located where the people need them!
If finding answers to these key points about your wayfinding strategy is hard, get in touch! Our team will help you develop the right solution and can show you numerous examples of our work in this area.
Common Wayfinding Tactics
Once you’ve developed a wayfinding strategy then the next stage is to consider what wayfinding solutions works for you. There are many ways to incorporate wayfinding into signage – some options are shown below:-
- directional and reference signs including maps;
- information and orientation signs;
- audible communication;
- tactile communication;
- landscaping and barriers;
- lighting and illuminated signage;
- interior layouts with mapping;
- interpretive signage;
- digital touchscreen interactive maps.
Comprehensive wayfinding systems often combine signage, maps, symbols, colours, and other communication design tools. Increasingly, they integrate mobile applications, digital displays, RFID, and other wireless technologies.
For More Information
Our team of professionals are just a phone call away. Get the most out of your signage with well thought through, high impact, wayfinding signs. Let your customer’s find what they seek with ease. Whether a school campus, a high footfall venue, an office environment or a complex retail park, wayfinding is your friend.
For help or friendly advice, call the office today and ask for one of our sales team + 61 8 9274 5151. Alternatively email admin@signsandlines.com or visit the wayfinding section on our website for examples of our work.
We’re ready to start talking! So speak up now about your next project or idea.
T + 61 8 9274 5151
