Accessible wayfinding – It’s much more than placing accessible signage in a building.
It is a well known fact that accessible signage plays an important role in making buildings usable and accessible. The key question is how often is wayfinding considered in the design and use of the built environment?
Wayfinding refers to the techniques used by all users of the environment as they move from place to place independently and safely. Wayfinding relies on architectural elements to assist people in finding their way and should reassure users as they go on their journey through a building. Signage is a key component of a way finding system but is not the only thing that should be considered. A comprehensive way finding system should incorporate the following elements:
- Good pre visitor information.
- Building cues - i.e. using the architectural features of the building. For example locating directional signs at or before every major intersection, at major destinations.
- Changes in flooring material to indicate that the individual is moving from one area into another.
- Changes in colour to identify major destinations.
- Good signage which is designed with accessibility in mind. For example signs should be as clear, short and concise as practicable; Text on signs should not be set entirely in capital letters. Visual signs should be designed with due consideration given to the height of sign, layout of sign, font size, font type, use of symbols and visual contrast with background, etc. For guidance on these elements of sign design refers to BS 8300:2009.
- Hand held maps and directory boards.
- “You are here” maps.
- Staff and volunteers. For example a number of hospitals in Ireland have volunteers on hand to provide assistance and support to patients and visitors.
There are a number of benefits of having a good way finding system including:
- It makes it easier to understand the site and internal layout and create a mental model.
- It reduces the amount of signage and therefore there are cost savings.
- It ensures people can orientate themselves independently.
- Avoids staff having to give directions.
- Circulation routes will be easier to understand.
If you would like further information on wayfinding or accessible signage, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected].
