Wayfinding is an important part of guiding individuals to their desired destination. It not only facilitates effective navigation but also enables people to discover the full potential of a location.
Having a well-executed wayfinding strategy can effectively guide people towards a destination, whether they are walking with an end goal in sight or not.
It is crucial to keep the user journey in mind while creating your designs, as your wayfinding strategy can significantly affect the user’s experience.
Here are our design tips for improving your wayfinding strategy:
1) Less is More
Simplicity is the key to success. Cramming in too much information will waste the user’s time and make your signs unnecessarily complex. To avoid confusion, it’s important to keep your signage clear, concise, and simple. Using colour and shape just as much as text can help to effectively convey your message.
2) Placement is key
The environment in which your signage is placed can make or break your wayfinding strategy. An example of how signage placement can affect user experience is when signs are positioned too far away, too close, or after the destination. This can hinder users from making informed decisions by not giving them enough time to navigate towards their interests.
3) Accessibility
Making your signage accessible and tactile is extremely important for wayfinding signage. This helps visually impaired individuals and people that aren’t as mobile to effectively find their way. The height and placement of your signage needs to be accessible to all.
4) The medium is the message
There are various types of wayfinding signage available in different shapes and sizes, such as double-sided projection signs, hanging signs, wallet signs, and door signs. Choosing the perfect medium isn’t as simple as choosing what looks the most visually pleasing as you may also need to consider whether the sign is weatherproof, visible at all heights/angles and the correct size for the environment.
5) Designing for longevity
The thickness, quality and maintenance of your wayfinding signage will all impact the longevity of your wayfinding project. If you need your wayfinding project to remain permanent then quality materials will be needed for maximum longevity.
Need help with your wayfinding strategy? The team at RMC Digital Print are always happy to help. Fill out a contact form online or call us on 01482 325003.
