Showing The Way

Every time I go anywhere I look for signs, especially wayfinding signs. After all, I am looking for the way. Every time I work on signs, I am contemplating the best design, placement and display. After all, I am showing the way. There is a difference between the cause (showing) and effect (finding) just as there is a difference between me the designer and me looking for direction.

As designers it is our job to “show” the way so that others can find it. This can take place in a variety of ways – helping others find their way to a product or service. In this case, it’s about showing through direction, what we call Wayfinding. Although mostly associated with directional signage and pointing us in a specific direction, Wayfinding can be much more. A cohesive brand that incorporates identity, collateral, website and online strategy coupled with a physical branded environment shows the customer the way through multiple access points to specific products and services. The better the overall strategy and implementation the easier the point of interest will be to find.

Just like looking at a map, there are a few important points to address:
Where am I, where do I want to go, and what is the best way for me to get there. Once you begin the journey you will realize there are more decision points to be made. Hopefully the institution employed a designer who will have addressed them so you are able to find your way.