Frequent Flyers & the Potential of Wayfinding

Photo: © Nina Chantrasmi

Wayfinding is all about orienting people within a space. It tells you where you are and helps you get where you’re going without droning on and or repeating itself – it’s like a good tour guide – it’s friendly and hopes to see you again soon. It can be as small as an address on your stationery or as large as the Golden Arches.

Wayfinding doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves, but it’s not our fault. Good wayfinding is often subtle in order to be effectively integrated into an existing or designed environment. The complementary nature of wayfinding frequently allows itself to be conveniently dismissed as we go along on our busy way. It doesn’t expect a tip.

Airports are a great way to start thinking about the potential of wayfinding. Airport wayfinding systems are held to the highest degrees of accountability because they don’t want to be the reason you missed your flight. When done right, these systems greet you from the highway, escort you to the terminal, show you to your seat, and get you to a taxi (usually reminding you it’s them along the way). They develop complex visual systems that conveniently present essential pieces of information while you are scrambling towards your terminal. Whether it’s an arrow on a wall, a large number overhead, or a small dot on a map, these small bits of information build upon each other into a complex conversation that successfully navigates people through some of the most complex spaces ever designed.

Whether it be for urban development, renovations/constructions, or site design, wayfinding can respond to what’s already been done or it can be designed into your project from the start. Before you start thinking about how to fund large additions it may be worthwhile to reflect on your existing resources and how they can be better supported through wayfinding solutions. Wayfinding promotes and sustains economic development while adapting to nearly any budget.

How do you get where you’re going?