When people cannot find their way,
frustration and stress result.

Wayfinding is the art and science of helping people find their way through an environment. It is a fundamental part of every visitor’s experience. In the world of healthcare especially, wayfinding can be a critical element in patient care and satisfaction.
Picture…

…the husband of a 54-year-old woman undergoing a series of diagnostic tests. They expect to be at the hospital for a number of hours. He heads to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee and a pastry.
Ask yourself…

• How easy is it to find the cafeteria from your diagnostic testing centers?
• Is hallway signage clear?
• Are visitors shown which direction to go upon exiting the elevator?
• Is your cafeteria visitor-friendly?
• How easy is it to find the diagnostic testing centers from the cafeteria?
• Is a directory of departments posted outside the elevators? Inside?
• If he turns down the wrong corridor or chooses the wrong elevator, how far might he wander before discovering he has made a mistake?
• Is your staff prepared to assist him if he asks for directions?
• How far has he traveled, round trip?

 

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A Wayfinding Process Example

Project Background   •Hypotheses  •Methods  •Findings  •Recommendations and Implementation