Wayfinding

What Is Wayfinding?

Wayfinding is the use of digital signage to help people find their way around a physical space. This can range from simple directional signs to fully interactive touch displays with searchable maps and directories.

Types of Wayfinding Displays

• Static directional — fixed screens showing floor maps, arrows, and room labels
• Interactive directories — touch-enabled screens where users search for rooms, people, or departments
• Step-by-step navigation — guided routes from "you are here" to the destination
• Event-specific — dynamic maps for conferences showing session rooms and booth locations

Where It's Used

• Museums — exhibit maps, tour routes, points of interest
• Hospitals — department directories, emergency routes
• Universities — campus navigation, building directories
• Conference venues — session schedules with room directions
• Shopping centers — store directories with interactive search

Design Tips

• Start simple — a clear floor map with labeled rooms often works better than a complex interactive system
• Update regularly — ensure room assignments and department locations are current
• Consider accessibility — place screens at wheelchair-accessible heights and use high-contrast colors
• Add multilingual support — for international visitors or diverse communities