Wayfinding is about effective communication and relies on a succession of communication clues delivered through our sensory system of visual, audible, tactile and olfactory elements.

There are four primary elements of wayfinding: architectural, graphic, audible, and tactile communication. Wayfinding is the ease with which one proceeds and is facilitated through an environment from one point to another. Wayfinding systems include such components as basic layout of building and site, interior and exterior landmarks, views to outside, signs, floor and room numbering, spoken directions, maps, directories, logical progression of spaces, and color-coding.

Wayfinding is typically divided into two categories: orientation and mobility. Orientation concerns the ability for one to monitor his or her position in relationship to the environment; band mobility refers to ones ability to travel safely, detecting and avoiding obstacles and other potential hazards.

Any wayfinding system is more than just signs – it encompasses architecture, landscape architecture, lighting, landmarks and orientation points. The design of spaces should assist users with special problem solving by providing consistent clues.

Wayfinding systems are measured by how users experience an environment and how the communicative elements facilitate getting from point A to B. Wayfinding signs should reassure users, create a welcoming and enjoyable environment and, ideally, provide answers to potential queries before users have to ask for assistance.

A successful wayfinding system should provide information to users to:

• Confirm they are at the correct start or finish point of an individual journey.
• Identify their location within a building or an external space.
• Reinforce they are traveling in the right direction.
• Orient themselves within a building or an external space.
• Understand the location and any potential hazards.
• Identify their destination on arrival.
• Escape safely in an emergency.

The four main categories of graphic wayfinding elements are:

• Identification
• Reinforcement
• Orientation
• Destination

The four main criteria in wayfinding design are:

• Architectural clues
• Graphic communication
• Audible communication
• Tactile communication

Wayfinding elements, combined with wayfinding design, provide a successful wayfinding system that caters for all users.

Benchmark Signs Wayfinding Successes:

The following list is not exhaustive, please see our Portfolio for an up to date list. Below are some of the wayfinding projects successfully designed and implemented by Benchmark Signs:

• ACSA – all airports in SA
• SABC – all offices in SA
• Ellis Park Precinct
• FNB Home Loans – New location in Fairlands
• BHP Billiton
• Areva Mines
• Cradle City