Wayfinding

The process of using spatial and environmental information to navigate to a destination.1

Whether navigating a college campus, the wilds of a forest, or a Web site, the basic process of wayfinding involves the same four stages: Orientation, Route Decision, Route Monitoring, and Destination Recognition.2

Orientation refers to determining one’s location relative to nearby objects and the destination. To improve orientation, divide a space into distinct small parts, using landmarks and signage to create unique subspaces. Landmarks provide strong orientation cues, and provide locations with memorable identities. Signage is one of the easiest ways to tell a person where they are and where they can go.

Route Decision refers to choosing a ...

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