OUGD405 Studio Brief 01 - Design Process - Way Finding - Introduction to way finding, article by design workplan

Today I read a short article on an introduction to way-finding, and the considerations that need to be made when designing.

(Source: http://designworkplan.com/wayfinding/introduction.htm)

The Basics
Function - To inform people of unfamiliar surroundings, guiding people in the right directions.

Effective way-finding takes into account 

• Comprehensive, clear and consistent visual communication system with concise messaging.
• Use only relevant information.
• Remove any irrelevant excess information so that there is a clear, concise message.

How does it work?

Landmarks

Specific marking / locations help reinforce the recognition of places and helps marking on a larger scale. It makes areas become more visible and will be bettered stored in your memory. Landmarks can be art-objects, buildings, street art, way finding signs or striking elements in a landscape.

Orientation

You need to know where you are in the build environment and where other destinations are located. When using maps within way-finding orientation is important so that you can relate yourself to the build environment.

Navigation

With the usage of directional (static) signs people will be guided along their path towards destination(s).

Strategic way-finding design

Research is an important step to understand the build environment and where information is needed to maximise legibility of the way-finding system.

Signage design basics

Information signs 

Directional signs

Identification signs

Warning signs

It is better to design a grid to order information and to scale the signs to different sizes.

Signage typeface

Usually a sans-serif type and available in various weights with a simple easy-to-read straightforward design. They have a good legibility with a large X-Height and wide letter proportions with prominent ascenders / descenders to ensure a good readability.

Characteristics:

• A clear and straightforward type design, sans-serif.
• Easy recognisable letterforms.
• Positive letter spacing to enhance the visual appearance.
• The Font Family includes a package of many different weights.
• The typeface has a large X-height for good readability.

Signage design

Be consistent in typography, type height, icons, grid design, colour and material choice. The signs needs to be straight forward designed and in a consistent order to wayfinding scheme, always use the same order of displaying the information.