Effective Wayfinding Research Articles

Library space design to promote student engagement: A comparison of graduate and undergraduate students

This article explores the library space needs and wants of graduate and undergraduate students at a medium-size state University in Southwest Florida. The researcher conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study in which they administered a survey to all currently enrolled graduate and undergraduate students at the university and followed up with semi-structured interviews to better understand students library space needs/wants and how those elements contribute to student success through a lens of academic and social engagement. The researcher identified several library space needs that were common to both graduate and undergraduate students including: comfortable and functional furniture, a variety of study spaces including a mix of individual and group spaces, conducive noise levels, technology, whiteboards, windows to let in natural light, seclusion food and drink options nearby, safety and security, adequate lighting and electrical outlets, and effective wayfinding. An additional need of separate graduate student space was also identified. Findings from this study can help inform the design of library spaces to better support student success through engagement.

Signage & Wayfinding Design For The Indonesian National Library

Signage and wayfinding is one of the components of Environmental Graphic Design that is used to help people feel safe and comfortable when navigating, particularly for individuals in heavily crowded locations. The Indonesian Nasional Library (Perpustakaan Nasional Republik Indonesia), recognized as the world's tallest library, comprises 24 floors filled with various services and amenities that cater to the community's interests and consistently attract many visitors. Hence, signage and effective wayfinding are indispensable in accommodating users in their library activities. The framework of this design process is established based on the pyramid method by Chris Calori & David Vanden-Eynden, with additional methods by the execution of conceptual designs, mind mapping, and the formulation of keywords. The authors aspire to contribute a signage and wayfinding design proposal that optimizes usability, resolves navigation challenges, and enhances the user experience at The Indonesian National Library.

Using a picture (or a thousand words) for supporting spatial knowledge of a complex virtual environment

External representations powerfully support and augment complex human behavior. When navigating, people often consult external representations to help them find the way to go, but do maps or verbal instructions improve spatial knowledge or support effective wayfinding? Here, we examine spatial knowledge with and without external representations in two studies where participants learn a complex virtual environment. In the first study, we asked participants to generate their own maps or verbal instructions, partway through learning. We found no evidence of improved spatial knowledge in a pointing task requiring participants to infer the direction between two targets, either on the same route or on different routes, and no differences between groups in accurately recreating a map of the target landmarks. However, as a methodological note, pointing was correlated with the accuracy of the maps that participants drew. In the second study, participants had access to an accurate map or set of verbal instructions that they could study while learning the layout of target landmarks. Again, we found no evidence of differentially improved spatial knowledge in the pointing task, although we did find that the map group could recreate a map of the target landmarks more accurately. However, overall improvement was high. There was evidence that the nature of improvement across all conditions was specific to initial navigation ability levels. Our findings add to a mixed literature on the role of external representations for navigation and suggest that more substantial intervention—more scaffolding, explicit training, enhanced visualization, perhaps with personalized sequencing—may be necessary to improve navigation ability.

Navigation Aid use and Human Wayfinding: How to Engage People in Active Spatial Learning

AbstractIn our daily life navigation systems play a pivotal role. These technical aids are used to find a way in unknown environments. Nowadays, they are already integrated into cars or available as smartphone apps. However, navigation is not necessarily successful when using such navigation aids. A highly debated but widely accepted consensus is that the increased use of navigation aids is associated with decreasing navigation skills (i.e., cognitive skills) and social interaction. In the current discussion paper, we therefore want to focus on how to reduce such (possibly) detrimental effects while engaging people in active spatial learning during the use of a navigation device. As we will demonstrate, such an active engagement can be realized rather easily and in a very simple manner: an explicit instruction (and people’s will to follow it). The way the instruction and the task are presented does not seem to matter (i.e., self-read, experimenter-read, or AI-read). The most simple but decisive element for effective wayfinding may be found on the individual psychological level, rather than on the design level for artificial systems. Thus, our discussion paper wants to 1) provide ideas on how to reduce possible detrimental effects in wayfinding (short-term and long-term) and 2) stimulate research on the psychological issues in addition to the technical issues.

WAYFINDING DESIGN IN LONG-TERM-CARE COMMUNITIES: EVALUATION OF COMPLEXITY

Abstract Wayfinding, the ability to find one’s way, is a significant problem for many older adults; especially those with cognitive impairment. Long term care communities (LTCC) are often fraught with challenges for wayfinding. Those who cannot find their way are at risk for decreased engagement and loss of independence. A critical need is to assess architectural and design features that promote effective wayfinding in an objective way. This study describes the results of a wayfinding design evaluation of 12 LTCC (4 Assisted living; 2 Independent Living; and 6 mixed residency). We measured space syntax axial integration (SSAI; a measure of the visual connectedness) and a Revised Wayfinding Checklist. The results showed low integration values in all communities, ranging from an R3 of 1.43-2.03, indicating low connectedness (and increased wayfinding complexity). The Checklist score totals ranged from 23 – 34 (M = 27.45) out of a possible total of 17 – 51. Results showed that the buildings were overall complex, all had long corridors (>100 feet), over half used multiple elevators to get to common areas; and over 60% had complex, multi-building layouts. Design wise, visibly accessible restrooms were not present; over half of the LTCC had insufficient lighting; and signage color/contrast and letter size was less than recommended. All sites had few directional signs at decision points. Thus, the review of these LTCC showed that most buildings were very complex, with low connectedness, and had room to improve design features like signage and lighting to support wayfinding ability for the residents.

Cross-cultural assessment of the effect of spatial information on firefighters’ wayfinding performance: A virtual reality-based study

When firefighters conduct search and rescue operations during building fire emergencies, effective wayfinding plays a critical role in protecting them from disorientation and improving the efficiency of their operations. However, whether and how different cultural backgrounds affect firefighters' acquisition and utilization of spatial knowledge during wayfinding tasks has not been comprehensively explored. To narrow this knowledge gap, we conducted a virtual reality-based search and rescue experiment with a 4 (spatial information type: control, landmark, route, and survey condition) × 2 (culture: the US and China) mixed factorial design. For each trial, firefighters were required to find three trapped victims in a virtual office maze within 3 min after a 3-min review of a certain type of spatial information. The wayfinding performance metrics (number of victims found, rescue score, distance to the goal path), direction decision-making strategy, and cognitive load of 62 firefighter participants were measured and analyzed. The results indicated that spatial information type, culture, and the interaction influence between them all significantly affected the firefighters' wayfinding performance. We found that the route and survey information contributed to firefighters' wayfinding performance with different degrees of influence on the US and Chinese firefighters; whereas the landmark information increased firefighters’ cognitive load and impaired their wayfinding performance. We also found that the acquisition and utilization process of spatial information for navigation varied among different cultures. The findings of this study are expected to help develop better training strategies for firefighters, as well as improve their safety and efficiency during search and rescue operations.

A Correlation Analysis between the Sense of Direction and Spatial Visualization in the Wayfinding System of a Complex Environment

This paper presents the findings of an ongoing study that explores the potential relationship between visitors' sense of direction and spatial ability in the context of navigation experience on a university campus. A structured questionnaire and tests were administered to 57 visitors who were unfamiliar with the Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor campus. The findings suggest that visitors' sense of direction and spatial ability are not significantly correlated. Although previous research has demonstrated a positive correlation between spatial visualization ability and a sense of direction, the relationship between these two factors may be more complex. Effective wayfinding systems require the consideration of visitors' spatial ability, as well as other cognitive processes involved in wayfinding, such as attention, memory, and decision-making of visitors' spatial ability as well as other cognitive processes involved in wayfinding, such as attention, memory, and decision-making. The findings of this study arguably contribute to the discussion of navigation and wayfinding in a complex environment.

Investigating the role of spatial configuration on visitors’ spatial cognition in health-care spaces: case studies in Gilan, Iran

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of spatial configuration on behavioral patterns of visitors in the ground floor of health-care spaces.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the Space Syntax analysis was used to combine visibility graph analysis and axial line analysis with empirical observation of visitors’ activities. Two types of observation methods on visitors were conducted to discover the behavioral patterns of individuals, respectively, named “gate counts” and “people following.”FindingsThe outcomes of this research revealed that the spatial arrangements of pathways, public areas, vertical circulations, entrance space, lobby, emergency department, reception desk and pharmacy have a significant influence on the way that visitors perceive the health-care environment.Research limitations/implicationsThe current research is limited to two aspects of effective wayfinding (configuration of health care and geometry). Future work can investigate the other potential factors coupled with the current factor as an integrated research for enhancing wayfinding and sustaining accessibility. Another limitation is that the observation results for this study had been conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic and future studies can compare these results with the current COVID-19 situation within health care environments.Originality/valueA large amount of research has focused on the needs of populations in developed countries. This topic has not been investigated thoroughly by professionals in developing countries such as Iran. Accordingly, this study benefits environmental psychologists and architects by revealing the effective characteristics of legible spaces in health-care environments.

Understanding the Effects of Urban Form and Navigational Aids on Wayfinding Behaviour and Spatial Cognition

In an age in which navigators can simply follow the represented route on their smartphone to get to their desired destination, is there any need for signage and urban legibility? This study aims to explore the effects of urban form and different navigational aids on visitors’ spatial cognition and wayfinding behavior. Thirty-eight participants were placed in one of three groups: i) a paper map only; ii) smartphones with the Google Maps app; and, iii) no navigational aids (local signage only). Participants were asked to find six pre-determined tourist destinations in central Brisbane, Australia, while they were thinking aloud. Post-task tests showed that participants in the group without personal navigational aids were more successful in landmark recognition than map users. Those who used paper maps performed best in route accuracy and street-naming tests. However, across all the spatial recognition tests, the GPS group was systematically neither the best nor the worst in terms of acquired spatial knowledge. The findings have the potential to assist urban designers and navigational mapping producers to design more legible urban spaces and more effective wayfinding tools.

Color Coding the "Labyrinth": How Staff Perceived a Two-Part Intervention to Improve Wayfinding in an Adult Emergency Department.

We report a two-part wayfinding intervention, considering four quality criteria (visibility, usability, efficiency and overall effectiveness) from staff perspectives. Few studies to date have explored wayfinding in the Emergency Department (ED). Yet, as ED usage continues to grow, effective wayfinding in these high-stress, fast-paced environments is likely to become increasingly important. At an adult ED located in the U.S. Southeast, wayfinding has been a persistent problem. We subsequently developed a two-part wayfinding intervention: colored routes to key destinations in the ED and corresponding visitor badges. Quality criteria were formulated using the Donabedian model: visibility (structure), usability (process), efficiency (process), and overall effectiveness (outcome). Assessments consisted of staff surveys, which were distributed from March to early April 2019. The strong ratings across quality criteria, added to affirmative comments from staff, provide evidence that the color coding system made a positive impact on wayfinding. While the results should be generalized with caution, the two-part intervention may be highly portable to other contexts. Future studies might examine the effect of colored routes alone. They might illuminate relations between structure, process, and outcomes as they relate to the assessment of wayfinding. They might also expand wayfinding quality criteria. Ultimately, such studies should improve not only the productivity but also the accessibility and user experience of the ED.

Evaluating Chinese government WeChat official accounts in public service delivery: A user-centered approach

WeChat official accounts have been increasingly adopted by Chinese government agencies to deliver public services, in response to the “Internet + Public Service” reformation. While previous studies depended heavily on the expert-oriented approach to evaluate the accounts, this paper presents a user-centered study based on a mixed methods research design in which an unobtrusive clickstream data analysis was complemented by a card sorting study, stakeholder interviews, and a focus group. A 2-month server log file containing 42,188,760 clickstream records was obtained from an active government WeChat official account and analyzed at the movement level, which found that the account was mainly used as a lookup tool with most services underutilized and its home portals failed to support effective wayfinding to needed services. Deficiencies in information architecture, operation strategy, and interaction design of the account were identified in the complementary studies. This study not only enriches the knowledge about social media use in the Chinese government for public service delivery, but also introduces innovative methods to generate new research insights. The findings can inform government WeChat official accounts of how to improve service quality and user experience.

Effects of Emergency Department Physical Design Elements on Security, Wayfinding, Visibility, Privacy, and Efficiency and Its Implications on Staff Satisfaction and Performance.

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of emergency department (ED) design on ED staff satisfaction and performance. High patient volume, surging workloads, and violent behaviors are expected pressures for ED staff. Literature suggests the substantial role of the physical environment in the delivery of care and its role in staff and patient experiences. Nevertheless, limited studies have explored simultaneous interactions between ED physical design elements, attributes (security, wayfinding, visibility, privacy, and efficiency), and staff satisfaction or performance. Interviews, surveys, visibility graph analysis, and agent simulations were employed to understand the connection between ED physical design, attributes, performance, and staff satisfaction. Enhanced security, effective wayfinding, team visibility, noise reduction, adequate privacy, and accessible supplies and equipment were significant predictors of staff satisfaction and performance. Unobstructed views in waiting and triage and controlled entrances were critical for improving security. To improve wayfinding, eye-level signage, reducing surveillance obstacles, and creating direct public routes were recommended. Rectangular units with multiple perpendicularly connected corridors and linear pod arrangements enhanced movement. Including team rooms and enclosed ERs were recommended for privacy improvements. Visibility was critical for team communication and improved by including short-distanced perpendicular corridors and eliminating columns. Enhancing access to supplies or equipment and reducing noise levels improved the perception of staff efficiency. The findings contribute to the general body of knowledge on the impact of ED physical design on attributes that potentially improve staff satisfaction and work performance.

A Study on Color Application for Effective Wayfinding of Theme parks -Focused on Everland-

A Study on Color Application for Effective Wayfinding of Theme parks -Focused on Everland-

INVESTIGATING EFFECTIVE WAYFINDING IN AIRPORTS: A BAYESIAN NETWORK APPROACH

Effective wayfinding is the successful interplay of human and environmental factors resulting in a person successfully moving from their current position to a desired location in a timely manner. To date this process has not been modelled to reflect this interplay. This paper proposes a complex modelling system approach of wayfinding by using Bayesian Networks to model this process, and applies the model to airports. The model suggests that human factors have a greater impact on effective wayfinding in airports than environmental factors. The greatest influences on human factors are found to be the level of spatial anxiety experienced by travellers and their cognitive and spatial skills. The model also predicted that the navigation pathway that a traveller must traverse has a larger impact on the effectiveness of an airport’s environment in promoting effective wayfinding than the terminal design.

The use of simulated visual impairment to identify hospital design elements that contribute to wayfinding difficulties

Many public facility layouts have been developed with little consideration of the visually impaired, producing difficult and unpleasant wayfinding experiences. Not all wayfinding elements can be applied universally to all environments; several wayfinding elements are specific to the type of industry being considered. No known research has been conducted within healthcare systems to find wayfinding limitations among visually impaired users during the navigation process. The purpose of this study was to analyze the current issues in a wayfinding task for the visually impaired and normally sighted to identify wayfinding design deficits. Normally-sighted participants ( m = 25, f = 25) wore one of five different vision simulator goggles to simulate a specific visual impairment (diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and hemianopsia) and were then given directions how to get to specific series of departments within a hospital campus. Participants then navigated a second time (using a different, but similar series of paths) without the vision simulator goggles (normal vision) so comparisons could be made. During participant wayfinding, behaviors such as stopping, looking around, touching walls, becoming lost and/or confused were recorded by location of each instance on a map. Questionnaires asking about the surrounding environment were completed after each condition. The results of this study identified several design elements involving signage, paths/target sites, lighting and flooring that created wayfinding issues for both experimental conditions. The effects of the wayfinding issues on participants ranged from tripping to becoming lost in the surrounding environment. Enhancing wayfinding for the most highly visually impacted individuals may also improve wayfinding for those with normal vision via universal design. The hospital design flaws identified by this study provide key areas and elements (not previously investigated) for further research studies to analyze more comprehensively and ultimately provide sound design recommendations to enhance effective wayfinding. Relevance to the industry This paper offers information relevant to a growing healthcare sector facing an aging population with growing needs. Applying organizational, architectural and design principles from this paper can lead to improved patient satisfaction, safety and patient flow within the hospital setting for the visually impaired and others without visual impairment.

Designing Cues for Recreational Parks to Support Wayfinding Behaviors

Environmental landmarks are required for effective wayfinding when using maps, but landmarks such as signs are not always designed on the basis of human factors principles. This study was designed to investigate map design guidelines, wayfinding behaviors, and environmental cues that affect wayfinding. Thirty-six participants hiked on a designated trail in an outdoor park using the think aloud method. Observational and interview data were collected to examine how the participants interacted with the environment when using maps. The results showed that man-made features such as signage were useful in aiding wayfinding, but other geographical features of the environment were also used to support wayfinding. Recommendations for sign design and placement are discussed.