Why people need wayfinding systems?

Succesful wayfinding design depends on understanding three variables : the nature of the client organization, the people with whom the organization communicates, and the type of enviroment in which the system will be installed. It is important to research and define all three of these variables clearly at the outset of a project. In developing the wayfinding strategy and designing the sign system, the designr will have to create a family of sign types that not only addresses primary information and wayfinding needs but also recognizes secondary issues and audiences with an appropriate information hierarchy and sign-messaging protocols. 

The wayfinding requirements of a municipal client must often address different user groups in various settings. The institution iteracts with a diverse community-locals and tourists-all coming to visit city centers, city parks, or other public spaces. In addition, the enviromental graphics need to attract commercial developers in urban-development opportunities.

A corporate client, for example, may need to complete interior signage for a new office building to obtain a legal certificate of occupancy and set up the building for tenants. That same corporation may also wish to use branded sigange to advertise and attract customers, or to signal a change of corporate ownership by rebranding signage at multiple branch locations. Other private institutions have their own particular signage specifications. In the case of a hospital, for instance, the facilities department may issue a Request fo Proposal for wayfinding signage to connect a new building to a larger campus. In their view the primary audience for the signage consists of the patients and visitors who need to find physicians, tratment centers, and other destinations quickly. Secondary audiences include internal groups like doctors, nursing staff, and maintenance and service people.

As in most multidepartmental organizations, the hospital sign system affects many departments and personnel. For example, the development office may be obligated to name the new building after a major donor. The architect of the new building will be concerned that signage is integrated effectively with the architectural design intent. The communications department may decide to use the opportunity to roll out a new institutional identity. Operators of the hospital cafeteria or gift shop may have requirements or even lease agreements that need to be considered regarding the scope of their signage. An effective wayfinding programm can easily balance the needs of the different constituencies, supporting and enabling a positive experience.