5 STEPS TO CREATING SUCCESSFUL WAYFINDING
Lately we’ve been thinking a lot about wayfinding and what it can do for a space. Whether it’s a structural art form standing proud to the user, or a subtle notion in the right direction, it still remains important.
Two points of criteria are important when designing a wayfinding plan.
- Wayfinding Information
- Visually Successful Space
When mapping out wayfinding information it’s important to be able to answer three questions:
- Where am I in the space currently?
- Do I know how to get elsewhere, if yes then how?
- How much time is spent understanding the visual cues?
The interconnection of spaces is critical for any design. Work flows, adjacencies and traffic patterns heavily depend on clearly communicated pathways. By answering these questions in a confident manner we are able to develop efficient solutions going forward, and better understand the user within the space.
A Visually successful space implies that the user must feel that the destination point reflects the coordinating signage. In other words, it’s important for each space to have its own identity. It’s typically found that the memorable visual cues commonly viewed by people to assist in wayfinding are understood best.
Directional signage, color blocking, and other visual elements communicate a more intuitive way of getting around. Bold, engaging shapes, and text are direct and often times to the point. By extending this directional language into the Architecture and Interior Design we can allow users to intuitively navigate around the space while still experiencing unique stopping points along a path of travel.
In the end efficiency is key, if these principles are understood wayfinding should be simple, yet remain effective.