A Guide to Find Your Ways
Wayfinding is the information system to escort people and improve their understanding and experience of a space. As architectural become complicated, people need some visual clues to find their ways. Directions and symbols help and guide people to their destinations. Wayfinding specialists design and develop signage information systems for pedestrians and motorists and navigate them for street and roadways. Wayfinding professionals prepare different wayfinding signage designs to make a guide for the people who are new to the place.
Types of Wayfinding Signage
Directional Signage
Directional signage acts as a guide and tells you where to go. Signage designers use fingerpost signs and arrows to point out a certain direction where you can find your destination.
Conformational Signage
As the name suggests, conformational signage confirms that you are on a right path or you have arrived somewhere else. For example, if you are on an airport and there is a signage says "Gate 12- 3 minutes’ walk". This is called a conformational signage as it confirms that you are on the right path and heading to the right location to go to gate number 12. At the same time, it tells you that you just need to cover a short distance; a three-minute walk to reach your destination.
Informational Signage
It is another wayfinding signage that guides you through information. For example, flight information displays at airport provide you the information about flight and inform you which gate number you need to go to catch your flight. Informational signage provides you with vital information on the exact route.
Regulatory Signage
As per its name, regulatory signage control and regulate people and tell them what to do and what not to do in a particular location. These types of signage ensure safety and inform people about rules and regulations. For example parking place, speed limits etc.
Characteristics of an Effective Wayfinding Signage Design
- Create a consistent and clear visual communication system with a brief message
- Show relevant information regarding space, location and navigation path
- Create a clear visual environment and remove unnecessary elements
Benefits of Wayfinding Signage
- Self-service saves time for visitors
- reduces stress and frustration with clear instructions
- Wayfinding signage have a lot of information on a single screen
- It improves the visitor's experience of that place
Application of Wayfinding Signage Design
Airport: The wayfinding signage at airport guide the passengers where to go. Mostly conformational and informational signages are used at airports.
Educational: The wayfinding signage in college and universities make a good impression and helps new students to find classrooms, laboratories, library etc.
Roads: Wayfinding signages are very important to show the directions to people where they want to go. It will guide the unfamiliar people to find their destinations.