Wayfinding is the process by which people understand how to navigate through architectural and urban spaces.
While Wayfinding is mostly about commonsense it is not as straightforward as it sounds.
It encompasses a variety of elements including, architecture, interior design, graphics, communications and an understanding of user behaviour.
It is the integration of these elements into a system that leads to effective Wayfinding.
Claude Group recognises the importance of Wayfinding and the potential costs for organisations which lack an effective directional system.
In recent surveys at two of Australia’s major hospitals, it was shown that staff spent in excess of $2m a year in time lost to giving directions and helping people navigate through there facilities. That equates to over $20m per decade.
One of these hospitals is currently investing around $1m dollars developing an integrated Wayfinding system. By even reducing the time staff spent giving directions by half they will benefit by over $1m every year. A sound return on their investment with a bonus of enhanced user experiences and improved staff productivity.
There is a diverse range of elements that are needed to integrate into effective Wayfinding, and it therefore takes special skills, researched knowledge and experience to develop a successful system.
Claude Group has a wealth of experience in co-ordinating the various design disciplines, the operational aspects of a facility and addressing user behaviour. Claude Group’s specialty is bringing these elements into a cohesive functioning unit.