Mijksenaar

What is wayfinding?

All wayfinding projects have one common factor. Whether they are large scale or small scale, long term on short term, for public spaces or for commercial enterprises, for novice visitors or for employees, indoor or outdoor, for pedestrians or for car drivers, all wayfinding projects are intended to be used by people. This means that all wayfinding projects will have to take human perception and psychology in mind.

In order to be as conspicuous as a white sign, most colored signs need to have a larger surface area (Architectural Signing and Graphics, Follis & Hammer © 1979)

Human perception and psychology are remarkably consistent. In an ever-changing society with an ever changing environment we learn how to cope with more and more visual input. The basics behind this visual input however – color contrast, field of vision, visual cues for building entrances and exits, categorization of messages, et cetera – remain the same.

Wayfinding is meant for users who:

• are looking for a specific destination (for example restrooms);
• want to follow a specific route (for example from a parking area to the main buildings’ entrance).

A well-considered system of wayfinding and supply of information is needed to guide the users through the wayfinding process step by step.

The way Mijksenaar develops wayfinding solution, goes beyond the creation of signs. Logistics, psychology, human factors, security / safety aspects, internet, architecture and high-quality graphic design play a major role in establishing a proper wayfinding concept.

The goal of wayfinding is:

• making the visit to and from a location or facility run as smoothly as possible;
• putting users at ease, by providing them with clear references, information and instructions;
• making sure users put trust in the wayfinding system.
  

Map showing specific landmarks (Schiphol Plaza)