In the fast-paced environments of commercial buildings, educational institutions, and public spaces, wayfinding plays a crucial role in shaping user experience. Thoughtful wayfinding goes beyond aesthetics; it enables people to navigate unfamiliar spaces intuitively, ensuring their journey is seamless, safe, and stress-free. Yet, one crucial aspect that often goes unrecognised is the importance of testing wayfinding systems.

The role of wayfinding in the built environment

Wayfinding plays a pivotal role in the built environment and is much more than signage. It is about creating a narrative through a space – guiding people smoothly from point A to point B and allowing them to experience the environment with ease. A successful wayfinding system enhances the functionality of a space, contributing to the overall experience of its users, whether in a bustling corporate office or a sprawling university campus.

However, effective wayfinding doesn’t just happen overnight. Testing is essential to understanding how real people interact with a designed system in its designated space. A system that works conceptually might fall short if it’s not tested rigorously; a simple detour, poorly placed sign, or unclear directions can easily lead to confusion, frustration, or anxiety.

Testing in situ allows us to address the unpredictable nature of human interaction with the environment – it helps us fine-tune the visual hierarchy, placement, and messaging to ensure that users can confidently navigate their surroundings.

The impact of comprehensive testing

A prime example that demonstrates the importance of testing was our project at The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) – the extraordinary 17-acre site is home to over 600-years of English history and forms part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. An intrinsic part of the townscape for locals, ORNC operates as a significant tourist destination and sees approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. It was one of many large institutions that needed to improve its wayfinding solutions and, working alongside their Access Advisory Panel, we conducted extensive user testing to ensure the wayfinding scheme was inclusive and met the needs of their target audiences.

With the need to entice visitors to explore the College’s main attractions with clear orientation across seven entry points, we started with an audit of the existing signage to consider the needs and experiences of different users, including both visitors and staff. By focusing on introducing the right type of signage in the right places, we aimed to help users better understand the site and improve their journey across its multiple entrances. This was achieved by developing a ‘family’ of sign types to suit key locations, from threshold entrances, orientation totems, attraction entrances, marketing posters, interpretation opportunities and more.

We then took this family of mock-up signs to put ourselves in the shoes of those who may be unfamiliar with the site, revealing nuances in human behaviour and perception that could only be identified through real-world interaction – revealing sightlines from real locations for an invaluable understanding of the scale of design in the context of place.

This kind of testing is a key part of our design process, helping us to achieve accessible and visually engaging wayfinding systems that enhance user experience and suit each unique location.

Our commitment to useful design

Communication design is not a luxury; it’s a necessity in shaping the spaces where we live, work, relax, and learn. When tested and executed effectively, it creates environments that are not only more accessible but more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered. According to a study published by the International Journal of Design, people’s first encounters with a space can significantly affect their overall perception and experience of the location. This underscores the importance of ensuring wayfinding systems are functional and intuitive from the start.

At Thomas.Matthews, our wayfinding solutions are designed with the user in mind. But it is through rigorous testing that these designs are transformed into effective tools for navigation. As we continue to create beautiful, sustainable, and purposeful designs, our commitment to testing ensures that every wayfinding system we implement delivers on its promise.

Interested in enhancing your space with effective, user-centered wayfinding? Contact our team today to learn more about our wayfinding services.