Wayfinding
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Wayfinding is a method for relaying messages to help people navigate their way around a room, building or other unfamiliar environment.
It is particularly important in large, complex buildings, such as hospitals, educational facilities or transport terminals. Wayfinding can help create a positive impression of an organisation when it is implemented effectively.
[edit] Universal messaging
A uniform style is considered desirable for wayfinding consistency and clarity. Standardised colours, fonts, icons and sign shapes can also improve universal recognition.
The following colours are generally associated with specific basic responses:
These three colours are easily identified by most people, regardless of age and other demographic factors, but other colours are also commonly used to represent different common messages.
[edit] Forms of wayfinding
Signage is the most common form of wayfinding, but architectural features and other objects can also be used to guide people through buildings.
In multi-storey buildings, flooring and wall coverings can be colour coded for quick recognition. This technique is frequently used in large car parks, hospitals and care homes (particularly in those where residents may be living with vision or memory impairments). While colour coded finishes do not replace traditional wayfinding methods, such as directional arrows, pictograms or clearly worded signs and numbered floors, it can enhance it.
Lighting can also be used as a form of wayfinding, particularly in long corridors. Emergency exit lighting illustrates how wayfinding can be used to guide people to their destination.
Textures (particularly in floor coverings), ambient sounds (such a music) and even smells (such as those associated with kitchens or restaurants) can also inform wayfinding decisions.
Brand recognition can assist with wayfinding, particularly for commonly-recognised colours, logos and shapes, such as the Underground symbol, the golden arches and so on. Brand styles may also influence the design of wayfinding strategies and components.
[edit] Elements of effective wayfinding
Characteristics that might contribute to successful wayfinding include:
- Simplicity.
- Colour.
- Clarity.
- Size.
- Placement.
- Inclusivity.
- Hierarchy.
- Consistency.
NB On 2 April 2020, in response to the Building a Safer Future consultation, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP announced steps to introduce mandatory sprinkler systems and consistent wayfinding signage in all new high-rise blocks of flats over 11 metres tall. For more information see: Government response to the Building a Safer Future consultation.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Braille signage and accessibility.
- Building signage.
- Emergency lighting.
- Fire safety design.
- Inclusive design.
- Kiosk.
- Legibility.
- Means of escape.
- Neurodiversity in the built environment.
- Planning digital signage in new buildings.
- Safety signs
[edit] External references
- Building Regulations 2010 part B (Fire safety).
- Equality Act 2010.
Featured articles and news
London Build Fire and Security Expo
20-21 Nov and now with new Ambassador Programme..
The Scottish Building Safety Levy
Eight weeks of consultation closing on 18 November.
The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing
shifting policies from the wild west of housing development.
Future proofing homes that are fit for purpose
Specification challenges and the role of plastic.
Thousands of new homes unlocked for brownfield sites
£68 million to 54 councils for neglected land into new homes.
Roof terraces and higher-risk buildings
Context, review, interpretation, case and guidance..
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Architecture in Britain and Ireland, 1530 - 1830
Steven Brindle’s book is required reading.
Employment Rights Bill; making work pay
‘Biggest uplift in employment rights law since the 1970s’
Battle for Mill Road Free Library
Years of failures by the county and city councils.
The accolades that demonstrate and recognise outstanding achievement.
What is the Conference of the Parties ?
The who, where, what and when before no 29.
CIOB signs up to Green Skills At COP campaign
In preparation for COP29 on 11 November in Azerbaijan.
2024 ECA Industry Awards evening
Full list of electrical contractors scooping top prizes.
Briefing on the implications of the final Grenfell inquiry report
What it means for Architectural Technology professionals.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024
International showcase for the very best photography of the built environment.