WAYFINDING

Cognitive mapping and signage

Universal Access

Navigating buildings should accommodate a diverse population Healthy and cognitively aware People with Physical Disabilities People from other cultures – different language People with mental and intellectual disabilities Illiterate

ADA provides ways to make sure signage is physically accessible, but it does not address universal access to all users.

What wayfinding is not….

Simply providing signage First used by architect Kevin Lynch in

1960 to refer to maps, street numbers, and directional signs.

This reference has caused confusion and misunderstanding of the term “wayfinding”.

Definitions

Wayfinding: A system of text, graphics and tactile information at the right time and the right place to guide people to their destinations. It is a process that people use to navigate unfamiliar surroundings.

Cognitive mapping: A person’s internal spatial representation of points, lines, areas and surfaces that are learned, experienced and recorded in quantitative and qualitative forms serving to spatially orient the wayfinder.

Reality vs. Human Mental Memory Geographical map vs cognitive mental

map

Reasons designers should understand cognitive mapping in the built environment: Because people use connotative mapping

to find their way through a space It helps people return to their point of

origin It is used by those that have intellectual

disabilities (memory loss, dementia, illiterate, etc)

Helps with evacuation in case of an emergency

Hidden barriers

Signs, directories and maps do not work for all populations

Floor plans are hard to read for many people

Inability to interpret building directories (people that cannot read speak English.)

Key Factors in better wayfinding Spatial Organization Landmarks Signage Directories Maps Color and Lighting

Spatial Organization

The first major component in wayfinding. Use architectural features that define different

areas such as archways, columns, varied ceiling heights and differentiated fenestration.

Create destination zones such as food courts, atriums, cafeteria. These offer orientation points for giving directions

Provide spatial overview opportunities that allow the individual to view the space from various view points to check out exits, passageways, etc.

Consider the overall layout. Avoid symmetrical layouts. These can be confusing unless each side is distinctly different. Use color, lighting, landmarks and signage to clearly mark paths and exiting areas.

Landmarks

Ideal for people with cognitive disabilities as well as those that cannot read or speak the native language

Use distinct shapes, colors, lighting, kiosks, unique artwork, photographs or sculpture.

Architectural features such as columns, archways and fenestration

Landmarks should be paired with appropriate signage to convey important information and guide individuals.

Sounds and smells can also be effective in creating a stronger cognitive map. (popcorn kiosk)

Signage

Useful in communicating necessary information such as destinations, exits. Placement, readability and color are critical factors to consider

Text should be paired with graphic images for non-readers Color can be used to reinforce and relate to the

environment Must be place at regular intervals, particularly at decision

points Perpendicular to the path of travel, above eye level and

appropriately illuminated.

Directories

Assists the wayfinder in finding desired locations. Requires the skill of decoding the information

Frequently paired with maps

Cluster information in small groupings of 5 items or less

Accompany text with graphic information

Use a simple color-coding system that coordinates with the map

Place directories pertaining to that specific floor on each floor

Maps Typically located with a

directory, maps are helpful when the are easy to read

Often problematic for people with intellectual disabilities as well as many people that cannot translate 2D to 3D space

“You are here” marking are helpful

Place map on the specific floor Provide locations for

restrooms, strollers, restaurants, telephones, emergency shelters, first aid and information kiosks.

Use color-coding as a reinforcement

Use lighting that does not produce glare on the map

Color and Lighting

Color can act as a reinforcement

Should never be used as the primary source of wayfinding because there are a number of people with color vision deficiency

Lighting (natural and electric) can highlight various architectural features, maps, signage and landmarks.

Lighting can highlight a path, especially during emergency exiting

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Refer to Handout