Wayfinding

=Wayfinding=

Definition
Wayfinding is using the surrounding environment in order to navigate from place to place.

In his 1960 book "Image of the City", Urban planner Kevin A. Lynch coined the term, where he defined wayfinding as “a consistent use and organization of definite sensory cues from the external environment”. In 1984 environmental psychologist Romedi Passini expanded the concept to include signage and other graphic communication, logical space planning, audible communication, tactile elements, and provision for special-needs users (Wayfinding).

Historically, wayfinding refers to the methods used by travelers who sought unmarked and often mislabeled routes. These techniques include the use of a map and compass, astronomical positioning and, more recently, global positioning. In modern times, wayfinding is used in the context of architecture and design to refer to the user experience of orientation, the elements that aid that orientation, and choosing a path within the built environment (Wayfinding).

For a designer involved in designing a wayfinding system, it is important to have the right information in the right place, in order to provide the user with an easy journey through a possibly difficult environment. Information hierarchy is key in providing an appropriate structure to ensure coprehension and avoid error.

==Multi-sensory Wayfinding== As individuals, we use our senses(not just sight) in the process of learning to find our way around.Today, designers are encouraged to take into account the needs of all, for example the visually impaired. This can be done by incorporating tactile, embossed, braille and audible clues, and even building clues into the environment itself (What is Wayfinding).

Examples
Typical wayfinding signs found outdoors for direction to various buildings. []

Familiar symbols that are commonly found such as transportation, the airport, the hospital and no smoking. []

Braille is a texture that can be read. It is used by those with visual disabilities as a means of wayfinding. []


 * The big questions about wayfinding in space ...**
 * Where am I now?
 * Where can I go from here? What can I do here?
 * How do I get back to where I was?
 * How do I get out of here?


 * References**

"Wayfinding." //Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia//. 9 Jan 2008, 20:27 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 10 Jan 2008 

"What is Wayfinding?" 10 Jan 2008 <[|http://www.modulex.com/Default.aspx?ID=602] >