Wayfinding environment
Wayfinding Signage is used to help people navigate within a built environment. Wayfinding is closely associated with signage in the fact they are used in combination to provide a mental map of a site, making it easier to get from one place to another.
Knowing where you are and subsequently understanding how to get to another location is the key and the most effective wayfinding systems allow you to do this with ease.
The development of effective wayfinding systems is crucial especially in large public or corporate areas. When considering a wayfinding program for a particular environment ones needs to take the following elements into account and promote them in harmony:
- Words
- Symbols
- Diagrams
- Images
- Design
Wayfinding Design
Wayfinding Design incorporates words, symbols, diagrams and images. If done well this enables a facility to develop good rapport with users. When designing a wayfinding program for a specific environment the following components must be considered:
- Building design and layout;
- Surrounding landmarks and natural features;
- Materials, furnishings and finishes of the built environment;
- Facility directories and maps;
- Terminology and graphics.
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