Wayfinding: Research and Initial Ideas

Upon further discussion of our initial ideas including the use of super-graphics we have further refined our ideas. The colours have been taken from the existing university branding so students feel like their apart of the institution, creating a feel of consistency and unity across all buildings.

• cork board used as base for wayfinding system 
• incorporate notice board into wayfinding, customise area to course  
• supergraphics 
• circular std as seen in initial experiments 
• colours, blue, purple, pink, white and blue 

What was liked about initial designs:
Upon presentation of my initial sketches/ideas it was found that use of big signs/super-graphics to show present information such floor number and facilities on the floor was successful (see figures 1-2). Furthermore the incorporation of hand-drawn inspired arrows was also liked as it gave the system more of a playful feel (see figures 2). The basis for the use of shapes within the system have been inspired by a staircase which represents the development of students. In order to further the development of these initial ideas I've implemented the colours we identified during our discussion to see how they would work together. Furthermore I've experimented with the incorporation of symbols to display common places such as toilets (see figure 3). In line with our discussion the typeface has been change to Circle Std which to its bold nature is easily legible at large sizes working well within the format of a super-graphic. I've experimented with the two designs most favoured in the initial discussions those with the information overlapping the number and those with the information on the side (see figures 2-3). Personally I think the placement of the information on the side is more user friendly as its easier to understand. In order to incorporate the arrows these could be places along the corridors in order to lead students to specific buildings (see figures 4-5).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5