As we explored within last month’s blog, wayfinding is the “act”’ of people finding their way. Wayfinding design strategy attempts to make this as natural, intuitive, and easy as possible by starting with the five design fundamentals below:

• Visual Zoning – Creation of visually distinct subsections to clearly define and organize physical space. Areas should be divided into regions with visually distinct characters created through appearance, physical boundaries, functional distinction, or a defining set of visual attributes.
• Landmarks and Guides – Use of prominent landmarks to provide visual orientation cues and quick reference points that maximize time. Landmarks should contrast with their backgrounds and are oftentimes the most memorable and salient location identifiers for navigation.
• Well-Structured Paths – Building strategic navigational paths to combine and highlight directional guides, location references, and destination information. Paths should be built with signs, lighting, landmark placements or references, or other visual elements to help users understand where they are in relation to their destination.
• Choice Restriction – Identifying optimal paths to prevent navigational confusion. Wayfinding design seeks to create spaces that are clean, coherent, logical, and efficient. The best routes should be highlighted.
• Maps and Signage – The art of developing straightforward and informative reference maps and signage for all visitors including the visually impaired. Maps and signs should provide a general location overview along with a destination list, how far the viewer is from each destination, paths to each destination point, and a spatial reference. ADA compliance guidelines should be checked for braille requirements. 

Contact Robin Steel’s team of wayfinding and luminous egress specialists to learn more about these fundamentals and additional considerations to make your space most enjoyable, navigable, and safe for people of all abilities.