This document discusses concepts related to wayfinding and navigation in the built environment. It defines key terms like navigation, wayfinding, and imageability. It explores cognitive perspectives on wayfinding including cognitive maps and how people use landmarks and paths to navigate. It also examines Kevin Lynch's work on the "image of the city" and the elements that contribute to a city having a strong cognitive image like paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks.
This hands-on introduction to the 960 grid system was prepared by Mario Hernandez in an effort to educate fellow designers and developers of the Federal Court system in the use of grids and frameworks. August 2011
Some personal thoughts on contemporary trends in designing experiences related to public space.
A masterclass for "Navigating the city: Wayfinding in the digital age" 2013 summer course. Elisava (BCN) - Central Saint Martins (London)
This hands-on introduction to the 960 grid system was prepared by Mario Hernandez in an effort to educate fellow designers and developers of the Federal Court system in the use of grids and frameworks. August 2011
Some personal thoughts on contemporary trends in designing experiences related to public space.
A masterclass for "Navigating the city: Wayfinding in the digital age" 2013 summer course. Elisava (BCN) - Central Saint Martins (London)
In a customer’s mind, a branded built environment enhances a destination’s reputation, that is, the experience & value they expect to get. How can Wayfinding & Signage Design enable destinations to deliver distinctive experiences, bringing them to life through all internal & external touch-points?
VDIS10019 Lecture - Environmental Graphic DesignVirtu Institute
The focus of this lecture is to identify Environmental Graphic Design with a focus on understanding the definitions and design
aspects of ‘User Centric Design’. We will also analyse how navigation, interaction and interpretation impact the user experience
in Wayfinding Design.
In this lecture we will look at how traditional graphic design media has been challenged into the 3D form. We will also look
at some interesting case studies of how traditional graphic design has extended into the 3D with environmental typography,
experiential design and wayfinding design.
A quick overview of design before and after the modernist movement, some examples of why grids are good and an intro to 960.gs so you can get started on grids your own self.
Presented at Refresh Denver (http://refreshdenver.org)
Grid Systems: Building Blocks to a Better User ExperienceDustin DiTommaso
A structural design method benefitting both the designer and the end-user, grid systems have been used for generations in print design, architecture and urban planning to lay out and optimize spaces for readability and comprehension, wayfinding and navigation, utility and usability.
As a framework for screen-based design, grids enable efficiencies in the planning, execution and presentation of UIs and content and imparts a refined aesthetic and sense of order improving perceived usability and intuitive behavior.
Modernist Typography and the Swiss grid - Carlo GiannascaFrostSydney
Carlo Giannasca Partner and Head of Environments at Frost* Design shares some of his insights into the basics of modernist typography and the effective use of the Swiss grid system.
Greenwashing, Marketing a Sustainable future (rev1zenthings
An overview on \'Greenwashing\', how marketing needs to be about the whole rather than the image, and the reasons why there will be such huge opportunities in this area in the near future - thanks to David Mackay and Stefaan Vandist (at Duval Guillaume)
Seth Flaxman presents on CityRank (www.cityrank.ch) at DD4D (www.dd4d.net) in Paris in June 2009
Abstract:
"In the context of data on cities, we present an example of how to make statistics relevant and meaningful to non-expert users. While the cities of the world are emerging as key players in global processes, from climate change to migration, the body of data on the cities of the world is neither extensive nor well-organized. Towards the end of organizing, understanding, and presenting this data, we have created an online framework called CityRank. To make this data relevant to users, CityRank allows users to upload new data sets and create and share personalized rankings of cities based on the data included in CityRank’s data repository."
In a customer’s mind, a branded built environment enhances a destination’s reputation, that is, the experience & value they expect to get. How can Wayfinding & Signage Design enable destinations to deliver distinctive experiences, bringing them to life through all internal & external touch-points?
VDIS10019 Lecture - Environmental Graphic DesignVirtu Institute
The focus of this lecture is to identify Environmental Graphic Design with a focus on understanding the definitions and design
aspects of ‘User Centric Design’. We will also analyse how navigation, interaction and interpretation impact the user experience
in Wayfinding Design.
In this lecture we will look at how traditional graphic design media has been challenged into the 3D form. We will also look
at some interesting case studies of how traditional graphic design has extended into the 3D with environmental typography,
experiential design and wayfinding design.
A quick overview of design before and after the modernist movement, some examples of why grids are good and an intro to 960.gs so you can get started on grids your own self.
Presented at Refresh Denver (http://refreshdenver.org)
Grid Systems: Building Blocks to a Better User ExperienceDustin DiTommaso
A structural design method benefitting both the designer and the end-user, grid systems have been used for generations in print design, architecture and urban planning to lay out and optimize spaces for readability and comprehension, wayfinding and navigation, utility and usability.
As a framework for screen-based design, grids enable efficiencies in the planning, execution and presentation of UIs and content and imparts a refined aesthetic and sense of order improving perceived usability and intuitive behavior.
Modernist Typography and the Swiss grid - Carlo GiannascaFrostSydney
Carlo Giannasca Partner and Head of Environments at Frost* Design shares some of his insights into the basics of modernist typography and the effective use of the Swiss grid system.
Greenwashing, Marketing a Sustainable future (rev1zenthings
An overview on \'Greenwashing\', how marketing needs to be about the whole rather than the image, and the reasons why there will be such huge opportunities in this area in the near future - thanks to David Mackay and Stefaan Vandist (at Duval Guillaume)
Seth Flaxman presents on CityRank (www.cityrank.ch) at DD4D (www.dd4d.net) in Paris in June 2009
Abstract:
"In the context of data on cities, we present an example of how to make statistics relevant and meaningful to non-expert users. While the cities of the world are emerging as key players in global processes, from climate change to migration, the body of data on the cities of the world is neither extensive nor well-organized. Towards the end of organizing, understanding, and presenting this data, we have created an online framework called CityRank. To make this data relevant to users, CityRank allows users to upload new data sets and create and share personalized rankings of cities based on the data included in CityRank’s data repository."
1. T H E B U I L T E N V I R O N M E N T
NAVIGATING
≥
SYSTEMS OF
INTUITIVE WAYFINDING
2. LYING IN A NO-MAN’S LAND
BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE
AND GRAPHIC DESIGN,
JOCK KINNEIR
APPARENTLY SIMPLE YET OF
BEWILDERING POSSIBILITIES.
WORDS + BUILDINGS
IS A TREACHEROUS ART,
WAYFINDING
DIRECTIONALSIGNATTOWERBRIDGE,LONDON,UK
3. D E F I N I T I O N
NAVIGATION
Generally used to describe the science of
locating position and plotting a course,
usually for ships and aircraft
It is often, however, used colloquially to
describe making one’s way through a space
GOLLEDGE, R. (1999). HUMAN WAYFINDING AND COGNITIVE MAPS.
4. D E F I N I T I O N
WAYFINDING
Wayfinding involves selecting paths from a
network, and determining the information
required to plot a course designed to reach a
destination
This can involve the use of either physical or
cognitive maps
GOLLEDGE, R. (1999). HUMAN WAYFINDING AND COGNITIVE MAPS.
5. Focus on how people see and
use information
Driven by process rather than design
Need for clear communication
that is accessible and inclusive
W A Y F I N D I N G
OVERVIEW
WAYFINDINGSCHEMATIC,BASEL,SWITZERLAND
6. Effectiveness may be compromised by:
modes of thinking and
information processing
aging population
visually impaired users
non-fluent and illiterate users
visual congestion
Despite extensive research, wayfinding
remains an inexact process
W A Y F I N D I N G
PROBLEMS
8. CONCRETE
ABSTRACT
DESIGN
MODES OF THINKING
70%
30%
Most environmental
graphic designers are
abstract thinkers...
...but they must design for
the 70% of the population
who are not
KEIRSEY, D., & BATES, M. (1984). PLEASE UNDERSTAND ME:
CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT TYPES.
9. REFERS TO THE COGNITIVE
AND BEHAVIORIAL
ABILITIES ASSOCIATED
WITH PURPOSEFULLY
REACHING
A DESIRED
PHYSICAL DESTINATION.
ROMEDI PASSINI
WAYFINDING
≥
10. How people negotiate their way through
spaces and what patterns are manifested
How language and typography should
be structured
What conditions must be satisfied
for effective assimilation of message
COGNITIVE
SEMANTIC
PERCEPTUAL
O F W A Y F I N D I N G
PERSPECTIVES
SOUTHWARKSTREETSIGN,LONDON,UK
11. M A P P I N G
COGNITIVE
The internal representation of perceived
environmental features and the spatial
relations among them
Do not need to be accurate renderings of
the real world
Such maps may be fragmented, distorted, and
irregular—result of difficulties experienced
in mentally integrating different routes into
networked structures
GOLLEDGE, R. (1999). HUMAN WAYFINDING AND COGNITIVE MAPS.
12.
13.
14.
15. 1996 airport fire
18 dead, 150 injured
confusing signage
made exit from
terminal building
extremely difficult
A I R P O R T F I R E
DÜSSELDORF
REDESIGNED + SIMPLIFIED SIGNAGE, METADESIGN
17. Result of 5-year study on how users
perceive and organize information as
they navigate through cities
3 case studies:
Boston, Jersey City, and Los Angeles
First use of the
term wayfinding
1960
Identified cognitive
mapping as a key
navigational tool
THE
K E V I N L Y N C H
IMAGE OF THE CITY
SKYLINE, BOSTON, MA
Coined the term imageability
— the ability of a city to make
itself memorable to the user
18. IS THAT QUALITY IN A
PHYSICAL OBJECT
WHICH GIVES
A HIGH PROBABILITY
OF INVOKING
A STRONG IMAGE
IN ANY GIVEN
OBSERVER.
KEVIN LYNCH
IMAGEABILITY
≥
19. I M A G E A B I L I T Y
ELEMENTS
Point reference considered to be external to the observer
Singularity—must be unique or memorable
LANDMARKS
Strategic spots into which the user can enter
Tend to be decision points
NODES
2-D sections of the city which are recognizable as
having some common identifying character
DISTRICTS
Boundaries or linear breaks in continuity
EDGES
Channels through which the user moves or can
potentially move
PATHS
LYNCH, K. (1960). THE IMAGE OF THE CITY.
20. DUNDAS ST W
DUNDAS ST W
GRANGE AVE
GRANGE AVE
STEPHANIE ST
QUEEN ST W
QUEEN ST W
EN ST W
PHOEBE ST
ND ST W
RICHMOND ST W
D’ARCY ST
D’ARCY ST
BALDWIN ST
COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
BALDWIN ST
WILLCOCKS ST
HARB
HARBORD ST
WILLCOCKS ST
ULSTER ST
BALDWIN ST
NASSAU ST
NASSAU ST
OXFORD ST
HURONST
HURONST
URONST
HURONST
STGEORGEST
KING’SCOLLEGEROAD
HURONST
SPADINAAVE
CAMERONST
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
DINAAVE
BRUNSWICKAVE
LIPPINCOTTST
BRUNSWICKAVE
BATHURSTST
BATHURSTST
ROBERTST
ROBERTST
KENSINGTONAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
DENISONAVE
DENISONAVE
RYERSONAVE
JOHNST
D
McCAULST
McCAULST
McCAULST
STPATRICKST
SIMCOEST
SIMCOEST
UNIVERSITYAVE
UNIVERSITYAVE
BAYST
UNIVERSITYAVE
ELIZABETHST
BEVERLEYST
BEVERLEYST
BEVERLEYST
DUNDAS ST W
EDWARD ST
ELM ST
GERRARD ST W
COLLEGE ST
SPA
DINA CRESCEN
T
KING’S COLLEGE CI
RCLE
I M A G E A B I L I T Y FA C T O R S
PATHS
≥Paths are the channels
along which the observer
customarily, occasionally,
or potentially moves
Can be streets, walkways,
transit lines, railroads, or
canals
[1] COLLEGE STREET
[2] DUNDAS STREET WEST
[3] SPADINA AVENUE
[4] ST GEORGE / BEVERLEY STREET
{5] McCAUL STREET
PRIMARY PATH: SOLID
SECONDARY PATH: DASHED
1
2
3
4
5
21. ALDWIN ST
COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
WILLCOCKS ST
HARBORD ST
HOSKIN AVE
ST JOSEPH ST
WELLESLEY ST
CHARLES ST W
CHARLE
HARBORD ST
HARBORD ST
SUSSEX AVE
SUSSEX AVE
BLOOR ST W
BLOOR ST W
BLOOR ST W
WILLCOCKS ST
ULSTER ST
200 m
500 ft
m
t
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
STGEORGEST
KING’SCOLLEGEROAD
STGEORGEST
STGEORGEST
QUEEN’SPARK
BAYST
QUEEN’SPARKCRESCENTW
QUEEN’SPARKCRESCENTE
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
ROBERTST
BRUNSWICKAVE
BRUNSWICKAVE
LIPPINCOTTST
BRUNSWICKAVE
HOWLANDAVE
BATHURSTST
BATHURSTST
ROBERTST
ROBERTST
SPADINARD
WALMERRD
AUGUSTAAVE
McCAULST
UNIVERSITYAVE
ELIZ
BEVERLEYST
ELM ST
GERRARD ST W
COLLEGE ST
SPA
DINA CRESCEN
T
KING’S COLLEGE CI
RCLE
I M A G E A B I L I T Y F A C T O R S
EDGES
≥
Linear elements not
used or considered
as paths by the
observer
Linear breaks in
continuity: shores,
railroad cuts, edges
of developments,
walls, wide roads
[1] SPADINA AVENUE
[2] UNIVERSITY AVENUE
1
2
22. DUNDAS ST W
GRANGE AVE
QUEEN ST W
D’ARCY ST
D’ARCY ST
BALDWIN ST
COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
BALDWIN ST
WILLCOCKS ST
ARBORD ST
HOSKIN
WELLESLEY ST
GROSVENOR ST
WELLESLEY ST
BALDWIN ST
NASSAU ST
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
STGEORGEST
KING’SCOLLEGEROAD
STGEORGEST
UEEN’SPARKCRESCENTW
QUEEN’SPARKCRESCENTE
HURONST
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
KENSINGTONAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
McCAULST
McCAULST
McCAULST
STPATRICKST
SIMCOEST
UNIVERSITYAVE
UNIVER
BAYST
BAYST
BAYST
BAYST
YONGEST
BAYS
YONGEST
YONGEST
UNIVERSITYAVE
ELIZABETHST
BEVERLEYST
BEVERLEYST
BE
DUNDAS ST W
DUNDAS ST W
EDWARD ST
ELM ST
GERRARD ST W
COLLEGE ST
SPA
DINA CRESCEN
T
KING’S COLLEGE CI
RCLE
I M A G E A B I L I T Y F A C T O R S1
2
3
DISTRICTS
≥
Districts are recogniz-
able as having some
common, identifying
character
Distinctive in contrast
with the rest of the
city, and can be recog-
nized immediately by
the observer
[1] KENSINGTON MARKET
[2] CHINATOWN
[3] UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
23. COLLEGE ST
COLLEGE ST
WILLCOCKS ST
HARBORD ST
HOSKIN AVE
ST JOSEPH ST
WELLESLEY ST
GROSVENOR ST
WELLESLEY ST
CHARLES ST W
CHARLES ST W
CHARLES ST E
SUSSEX AVE
BLOOR ST W
BLOOR ST W
CUMBERLAND ST
CKS ST
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
HURONST
STGEORGEST
KING’SCOLLEGEROAD
STGEORGEST
STGEORGEST
QUEEN’SPARK
AVENUERD
BAYST
BAYST
QUEEN’SPARKCRESCENTW
QUEEN’SPARKCRESCENTE
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
RTST
McCAULST
BAYST
BAYST
YONGEST
YONGEST
YONGEST
UNIVERSITYAVE
ELIZABETHST
BEVERLEYST
GERRARD ST W
COLLEGE ST
SPA
DINA CRESCEN
T
KING’S COLLEGE CI
RCLE
I M A G E A B I L I T Y F A C T O R S
NODES
≥
Nodes are strategic
spots in a city into
which an observer
can enter
Can be junctions,
convergences of
paths, crossings, or
moments of shift
1
2
[1] QUEEN’S PARK
[2] KING’S COLLEGE CIRCLE,
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
PRIMARY NODE: SOLID
SECONDARY NODE: DASHED
24. DUNDAS ST W
DUNDAS ST W
GRANGE AVE
GRANGE AVE
STEPHANIE ST
QUEEN ST W
QUEEN ST W
QUEEN ST W
QUEEN ST W
PHOEBE ST
QUEEN ST W
RICHMOND ST W
RICHMOND ST W
ADELAIDE ST W
ADELAIDE ST W
KING ST W
KING ST W
WELLINGTO
RICHMOND ST W
RICHMOND ST W
D’ARCY ST
D’ARCY ST
BALDWIN ST
COLLEGE ST
LEGE ST
COL
BALDWIN ST
BALDWIN ST
NASSAU ST
NASSAU ST
RD ST
HURONST
T
HURONST
EST
D
HURONST
SPADINAAVE
CAMERONST
SPADINAAVE
SPADINAAVE
BRUNSWICKAVE
BATHURSTST
ROBERTST
KENSINGTONAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
AUGUSTAAVE
DENISONAVE
DENISONAVE
RYERSONAVE
JOHNST
DUNCANST
PETERST
McCAULST
McCAULST
McCAULST
STPATRICKST
SIMCOEST
SIMCOEST
UNIVERSITYAVE
UNIVERSITYAVE
BAYST
BAYST
BAYST
YORKST
YORKST
UNIVERSITYAVE
UNIVERSITYAVE
BEVERLEYST
BEVERLEYST
BEVERLEYST
DUNDAS ST W
DUNDAS ST W
EDWARD ST
ELM ST
GERRARD ST W
I M A G E A B I L I T Y F A C T O R S
LANDMARKS
≥Landmarks are external point references
which are singularly unique and memorable
They differ from nodes, which are usually
entered by the observer during navigation
[1] ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO
[2] ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
[3] CANADIAN AIRMAN’S MEMORIAL
[4] CANADA LIFE BUILDING
[5] CITY HALL
[6] OLD CITY HALL
[7] TORONTO-DOMINION CENTRE
PRIMARY LANDMARK: SOLID
SECONDARY LANDMARK: DASHED
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
25. L A N D M A R K
SALIENCY
RAUBAL, M., & WINTER, S. (2002). ENRICHING WAYFINDING
INSTRUCTIONS WITH LOCAL LANDMARKS.
[1] FIRST CANADIAN PLACE
[2] ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
[3] ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Prominence or distinctiveness
of a feature
Evaluation factors include:
Quality of a landmark is defined
by its singularity
façade area + form factor
location + visibility
cultural significance
26. L A N D M A R K
SALIENCY
Oscar Neman,
Canadian Airman’s
Memorial, 1984
Disparagingly
known as “Gumby
Goes to Heaven”
Public art as a salient
landmark
27. Landmarks or other features
“anchor” cognitive maps and
influence processes used in
accessing stored information
Locations are learned in re-
lation to these anchor points
Believed to be used by both
human and nonhuman species,
including insects
+ E N V I R O N M E N T A L
K N O W L E D G E
ANCHOR POINTS
GOLLEDGE, R. (1999). HUMAN WAYFINDING AND COGNITIVE MAPS.
SHOPPING
WORK
HOME
SHOPPING
WORK
HOME
SHOPPING
WORK
HOME
28. OF BEING LOST
COMES FROM
THE NECESSITY
THAT A MOBILE ORGANISM
BE ORIENTED
IN ITS
SURROUNDINGS.
KEVIN LYNCH
THE TERROR
≥
30. W A Y F I N D I N G N I G H T M A R E
TOKYO
Street addresses
are assigned in
chronological
order, based on
date of building
completion
City can only be
navigated through
landmarks
31. WITH OUR RESPECTIVE
WAYS OF NAVIGATING
IS A BASIC PREMISE OF
OUR LIBERTY
AND
OUR SELF-CONFIDENCE.
OTL AICHER
LIVING
≥
32. Emphasis on designers thinking
like ‘the everyday person’
Scenarios with characters and
journeys imagined and visualized
Based on typical and
realistic patrons of
the city
Information must
be available when
needed and recognized
by user
Project begun in 1996
L E G I B L E C I T Y
BRISTOL
BRISTOLLEGIBLECITYSIGNAGE,BRISTOL,UK
33. City centre has
notoriously poor
‘mental picture’
Maps utilize unique
‘heads up’ POV—
showing what is directly
in front of viewer
Key landmarks in three
dimensions, as seen
from the position of
viewer facing map
Every map is there-
fore unique
M A P P I N G S Y S T E M
BRISTOL
BRISTOL LEGIBLE CITY MAP DETAIL, BRISTOL, UK