What is wayfinding and, more to the point, what might be classed as good wayfinding?

More and more these days, we find ourselves in discussions about ‘wayfinding systems’, with the implication that ‘signage’ is practically a taboo word. And yet, after extensive research, determining what might be classified ‘best practice’ can be tricky.

Evidence of exemplar projects is thin on the ground and often our customers are left bewildered by stakeholders’ conflicting needs and the poor availability of any quantifiable benefits attributed to good wayfinding.

What we do know is that there’s a pressing need for integrated, holistically considered, effective and consistent information systems in the urban environment.

Transport for London (TfL) states that effective wayfinding is ‘based on the principles of mental mapping, progressive disclosure of information, consistency of naming, product design and graphic language.’ Also that ‘wayfinding needs to be developed as part of a wider strategy to remove physical and mental barriers to movement, connecting … environments to deliver a seamless experience …’

How do you turn this statement into a practical reality?

While there are several innovations that have improved pedestrian signage schemes over the years, the best wayfinding projects now use mapping as a key element. There is a definite move away from just finger posts and more towards monolith structures with incorporated fingers if required.

The relatively recent introduction and price-commoditisation of vehicle satellite navigation has ensured that the public is more accustomed to seeing maps in a ‘heads up’ view rather than the conventional ‘north up.’ Since most people find their way by constructing a picture of a place with a mental map, ‘heads up’ mapping enables the user to orientate themselves more intuitively, seeing on the map exactly what is in front of them.

This mental mapping process is supported by the principles of progressive disclosure, supplying relatively small bites of information, only when and where users really need it.

Particular attention must be taken as the map is designed and populated. The highlighting of only landmarks and key features with reference to both a visual cue and vicinity to the signage device is vital to understanding the legibility of a place. Additionally, appropriate use of colour and graphic styles can be used to reinforce local identity.

Subtle use of landscape and lighting, such as illuminated bollards used to flank a path, can aid both route and destination identification. See the image right for an integrated example of street furniture and signage.

Signage must complement and enhance the surrounding environment. The number of sign locations, hence visual clutter, will be minimised by ensuring clear sight lines to both the sign and destination. Care must be taken to make appropriate use of natural desire lines through an area, along with including a volume of information that people can easily remember. Again, the image right shows an example of good progressive disclosure with limited information for the closer vicinity.

When considering the sign content, many potentially conflicting needs must be borne in a very small space. The graphic content, corporate branding/ID, cost and suitability of materials all need be considered alongside the provision of information. Due to the extensive requirements of each sign, they are by nature custom designed to intricate bespoke specifications.

To add to the complexity of the points above, additional criteria that might impact on a design are local planning constraints, the demographic of the local population and the requirements of The Disability Discrimination Act…

This article is developed in collaboration with Sue Manley, a Director at Placemarque. Woodhouse collaborate with Placemarque to provide mapping and graphic solutions and can provide more information on all these services on request.