#476 every which way

One of the best places for good wayfinding examples is a hospital.  Since hospitals are used to a high frequency of first time visitors, the signage is usually more explicit than at most places.  For example, I have seen colored lines along the walls: "follow red to the x-ray lab" or signs every few feet to direct the new patient to where they are going.

I recently visited a new hospital with a friend, and once again saw the proliferation of signage that was helpful in getting us where we needed to go.  An electronic directory with every department listed on the scroll through was right inside the door.  A compass was embedded into the floor design so patients knew which wing was in which direction.  There were signs for check in, waiting, checking out and about every step in between.  We had never been there before, but without much effort we knew where to go.

Pay attention to the wayfinding system during the next time you go somewhere new.  Are the directions explicit?  Are the signs directing you using common, understandable language ("pay bills here" vs. comptroller or bursar)?  

Many organizations could take lessons from hospitals.  It may be worth a visit to your hospital or to a new building to experience navigation from a novice's perspective -- then translate that to your organization.  Are you set up to make it easy for a new visitor (client/student/employee, etc.) to find their way around?  The writing isn't always on the wall.

--- beth triplett

leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
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