What is Wayfinding?
In a professional context, the following terms are often used to describe wayfinding:
- Navigation system
- Spatial orientation
- Spatial navigation
Wayfinding is an interdisciplinary field of design that combines architecture, graphic design, behavioral psychology, and modern manufacturing technologies. It helps people navigate spaces easily and comfortably, ensuring accessibility, safety, and compliance with functional requirements. Navigation systems are especially important in complex and high-stress environments such as airports, stadiums, hospitals, and shopping centers.
Wayfinding is not just about signage — it is a holistic approach to spatial design that makes an environment intuitive to understand. An effective navigation system is seamlessly integrated into the architectural space, complementing it aesthetically while remaining visible and functional. This is achieved through the use of intuitive pictograms, color coding, and digital technologies such as interactive maps and mobile applications. Well-designed wayfinding helps manage the flow of people, enhances the user experience, and reduces stress, creating a sense of confidence and control in unfamiliar places.
Wayfinding is not just about signage — it is a holistic approach to spatial design that makes an environment intuitive to understand. An effective navigation system is seamlessly integrated into the architectural space, complementing it aesthetically while remaining visible and functional. This is achieved through the use of intuitive pictograms, color coding, and digital technologies such as interactive maps and mobile applications. Well-designed wayfinding helps manage the flow of people, enhances the user experience, and reduces stress, creating a sense of confidence and control in unfamiliar places.
Why is a Wayfinding system important?
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Reduced stress and increased comfort
In complex spaces, people can feel disoriented and anxious. Good navigation minimizes confusion, helping to create a sense of confidence and control. -
Efficient Crowd Management
In high-traffic areas such as stadiums or airports, wayfinding organizes the flow of people, preventing congestion and ensuring safety. -
Improved Accessibility
An orientation system makes a space convenient for all user groups, including people with disabilities, older adults, and children. -
Enhanced User Experience
A simple and clear navigation system leaves a positive impression, increasing the likelihood that visitors will return. -
Cost Reduction
A poorly designed system increases the burden on staff, who must assist visitors, leading to additional expenses.
Кеу principles of wayfinding system in public spaces
Wayfinding elements must be clear and easy to read. This can be achieved by:
- Using universally recognized symbols and pictograms.
- Applying high-contrast colors and typefaces that are visible from various distances.
Navigation should have a unified visual identity. All signs must follow a consistent style so that users can easily recognize them.
Navigation should be designed based on an analysis of traffic flow for all user groups, taking into account natural human behavior. It should help people find their way by:
- Placing signs at key points where users expect to see them.
- Providing information that is needed at a specific moment and location.
- Potentially segmenting information for different user groups.
Wayfinding elements should be adapted to the needs of different user categories:
- Tactile signs for the visually impaired.
- Multilingual signage in areas with international visitors.
- Appropriate sign heights for children or older adults.
The system should be ready for changes, such as route modifications or changes in zone assignments. This is especially important for temporary events.
Signs should be located where users most need guidance:
- At entrances and exits.
- Near elevators and staircases.
- At route intersections.
Wayfinding elements should harmoniously blend into the overall design of the space, enhancing its aesthetics while remaining noticeable.
Wayfinding elements should be designed with durability in mind, including high wear resistance and protection against vandalism.
Services
Designing wayfinding and information systems for various types of spaces: public buildings, commercial facilities, and urban environments.
Wayfinding Design Concept
- Development of conceptual ideas that are seamlessly integrated into the existing environment, or the creation of a new, cohesive concept from scratch.
- Creation of stylistic approaches for wayfinding.
Info-Planning
- User Flow Analysis and Segmentation
- Analysis of the space to identify problem areas that can be addressed through wayfinding.
- Determination of the types of navigation media required.
Graphic Content
- Development of unique graphic styles for wayfinding systems (fonts, pictograms, schematic maps, etc.).
- Creation of design layouts for navigation media.
- Creation of master layouts for navigation media.
- Preparation of a wayfinding guideline.
Industrial Design
- Development of the external appearance of wayfinding elements.
- Creation of engineering drawings.
3D Modeling and Visualization
- Sketches and 3D models of wayfinding elements.
- Integration of 3D elements into interiors/environments.
Detailed Design and Construction Documentation
- Development of design and construction documentation in accordance with all requirements and standards of the countries where the project is implemented.
Integrated Design
- Parallel design of the wayfinding system and the interior/exterior/environment.
- Integration of wayfinding systems into an existing interior/environment.
Project Support
- Coordination of contractors’ work.
- As-built documentation.
- Author’s supervision.
Full Service Cycle
- From concept development to warranty maintenance.
- Manufacturing and installation.
Recent projects
#sports facilities
Navigation system for the main sports venue of the Universiade.
#commercial facilities | #social facilities
Navigation system for the new UB Community Center.