Whether you are designing a wayfinding system for a hotel, mall, school, sport’s venue, or somewhere else entirely, there are some essential wayfinding principles that must be incorporated. These are crucial if you are going to have an effective system that enables visitors to navigate your space successfully.
An effective wayfinding system doesn’t just help to create a pleasant visitor experience, but it also means ensuring their route and dwell time is as efficient as possible. Moreover, a strategically planned and designed wayfinding system includes a wayfinding ‘story’ that keeps visitors informed of where they are, what is around them, and how they get to where they want to go.
For you, a wayfinding system can boost your branding, ensure visitors think of you favourably, and reduce any confusion in your space. In order to generate this, read on for the most important elements of an effective wayfinding signage system.
1. Purpose
In order to create an effective wayfinding signage system, each wayfinding sign needs to have a purpose. Usually, these types of signs can be divided into four main categories: identification, directional, regulatory, and informational. By knowing which category each sign falls into, you will be better prepared to identify the purpose of the signs and thus create a more effective and useful wayfinding system for visitors.
Here are some of the differences between these four categories of wayfinding signs:
- Identification: Signs that tell a visitor where they have arrived (an entrance, doorway, etc.). These need to be clear and straightforward.
- Directional: These are installed in any location where a visitor has to make a wayfinding decision. These are the most important for avoiding confusion.
- Informational: Signs that provide the necessary information (opening hours, Wi-Fi zone, etc.) or interesting facts about the area or business. Aim to enhance the experience of anyone who is spending time in the space.
- Regulatory: The foundation of creating a safe environment, these signs inform visitors of the rules and regulations in an area. These signs include “no smoking” signs and parking permissions, as well as any other relevant safety warnings.
Generally, most effective wayfinding systems require all types of signs –including 3d signage in Dubai. Visitors should be able to follow the directional signs until they arrive at an identification sign. Along the way, they will learn more about the space from informational signs and be able to abide by the necessary rules through the regulatory signs.
2. Structure
No matter how well designed a wayfinding system is, if it doesn’t incorporate well-structured routes and paths, then it isn’t going to be sufficient to make for an enjoyable visitor experience. To be well-structured, all walkways must ensure that an individual remains oriented and aware of any upcoming landmarks, as well as the distance to their intended destination.
To accomplish this, the beginning and end of the path must have a clear beginning and end, with progress indicated throughout. In some cases, this may be simply stated on wayfinding signage that tells a visitor how far it is to their intended destination. Alternatively, there are a variety of more intricate and innovative ways you can demonstrate this information that incorporates your branding. Additionally, these paths should include piste markers so that a visitor can continually be assured that they are moving in the right direction.
3. Consistency
Throughout your wayfinding system, consistency has to be prioritized. After all, you don’t want to have one form of wayfinding signage in one area and another standard somewhere else. Not only would this be frustrating in terms of usage, but it is also misleading when it comes to branding.
When designed suitably, your wayfinding system can be utilized as a useful branding tool. By making it consistent, you are helping your brand’s identity to stand out in the minds of your visitors and encouraging a connected feeling.
To be consistent, you need to understand the story that you are telling thoroughly. Once you know that, you will be able to design the space so that the story is consistent throughout every possible route.
While detours, side-tours, and exploration may be available for visitors to navigate, the central design story must be communicated consistently. This will help individuals make the best use of your space.
4. Simplicity
One of the hardest aspects of designing an effective wayfinding system is balancing aesthetics with simplicity. The last thing you want is wayfinding signage that is too complicated for visitors to understand, and that can’t efficiently convey the necessary message. After all, if this is the case, then no matter how creative it is, the system isn’t doing its job suitably.
For this reason, you want to refrain from having wayfinding signage that is overly cluttered as this will lead to increased confusion as visitors will be distracted and turned off by the information overload. Instead, aim to design signage that utilizes as few words as possible while still providing all the necessary information. Another option is to employ universal pictograms as these can often say a lot without producing too much visual noise.
5. Expertise
Without expertise, it is impossible to design and implement an effective wayfinding system. This is why it is highly recommended that you work with professionals who have the requisite knowledge and experience to make your system work. Not only do they know the best practices for wayfinding design, but they are also up-to-date on current design trends. For them, balancing the practical with the aesthetic is where they excel, and so you don’t have to worry about finding a way to do it yourself.
When looking for signage and wayfinding consultants in Dubai (or wherever your business is located), you want to make sure you are prioritizing those with plenty of years of expertise in your given niche. One of the best ways to do this is by looking through their portfolios and asking them about their experience working on projects like yours.
What do you think are the most critical aspects of an effective wayfinding system? Are there any additional elements you would add to this list? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant experiences in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Zak Zakaria is a Waymaker at dezigntechnic in Dubai who also previously worked as the company’s Graphic Designer and Art Director. Zak is a creative with work experience in multiple multinational agencies such as JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi. Signage design is a family business, making Zak’s personal experience with signage his longest professional commitment.
