Large workplaces know the importance of wayfinding. Imagine massive buildings with beautiful atrium directories or enormous corporate campuses with “You Are Here” signs everywhere.
While the principle of wayfinding persists in today’s workplaces, the implementation has altered. Wayfinding touchscreen solutions are high-tech guideposts that inform workplace visitors about where they are and how to reach their destination.
Interactivity is what sets digital wayfinding kiosks apart. You can zoom in and out to know the exact location of the place you want to go. Moreover, as an increasing number of people rely on technology these days, installing wayfinding touchscreen monitors is a sensible approach.
What is digital wayfinding?
Whether you are on a sprawling campus with multiple buildings or inside a building, wayfinding enables an easier orientation to physical space.
Digital wayfinding allows electronic navigation through digital routing. It provides point-to-point wayfinding in real-time. It takes only one touch to know where you are and find your desired destination.
Apple and Google Maps are first-class examples of digital wayfinding that employ GPS signals to direct users to where they want to go.
However, different types of digital wayfinding are used to guide indoors and outdoors users.
Types of digital wayfinding
Indoor navigation
Indoor navigation uses digital maps and location-based services to help people navigate through indoor spaces such as shopping centres, airports, or hospitals. This type of wayfinding may use beacons or wi-fi signals to pinpoint a person’s location and provide turn-by-turn directions to their destination.
Outdoor navigation
On the other hand, outdoor navigation helps people navigate through outdoor spaces such as parks, streets, and neighbourhoods. It uses GPS technology to determine a person’s location and provide directions to their destination.
Web-based navigation
Users can plan their routes and access directions online with web-based navigation, often through mapping websites or apps. This type of wayfinding can be used for both indoor and outdoor navigation and may also incorporate real-time traffic updates or public transit schedules.
What are the benefits of digital wayfinding solutions?
Simplicity
Wayfinding becomes simpler with interactive touchscreen monitors and provides instant assistance to people in need.
Take a multi-storeyed shopping centre, for instance. The foot traffic is high in such public places. Now if visitors start asking employees for directions, mall staff will not have time for anything else.
Also, visitors might still be confused if malls employ static maps and keep asking for directions.
Instead, interactive wayfinding solutions allow visitors to find their preferred destination easily and quickly.
Accessibility
Digital wayfinding solutions can cater to differently-abled people with vision, hearing, and physical impairments.
These solutions can include features such as large font sizes, text-to-speech, and colour contrast adjustments to ensure everyone can access and utilise the information provided.
Interactive wayfinding solutions can include more variables than static displays. For instance, you can add company directories to help visitors find rooms and people.
Personalised experience
Digital wayfinding solutions can be tailored to individual users, providing customised directions and information based on their needs and preferences.
For example, a user with limited mobility could be provided with a route that avoids stairs or inclines. In contrast, a user who is in a hurry could be directed to the fastest route to their destination.
Cost-efficient
Traditional wayfinding solutions, such as static signs, can be expensive to create and maintain.
On the other hand, digital wayfinding solutions can be updated easily and quickly at a lower cost. This means that businesses and organisations can save money in the long run while still providing their visitors with accurate and up-to-date information.
Engage visitors
Digital wayfinding solutions can be made interactive and engaging, providing users with a more immersive experience.
For instance, businesses can present users with quizzes or challenges as they navigate a space or provide them additional information about the history or architecture of a building.
Implementation of digital wayfinding
Implementation of wayfinding touchscreen monitors is easy if you have purchased from a reliable supplier. Also, they might set it up for you in your business space.
The best part? Suppliers can customise the touchscreen to your requirements.
However, there are a few aspects you should consider before employing a wayfinding solution.
Factors to consider before implementation
User Needs
Understanding the user’s needs and preferences is essential before implementing digital wayfinding. User research and usability testing can help identify the most effective wayfinding solutions for different user groups.
Environment
The physical environment plays a significant role in the effectiveness of interactive wayfinding. Factors such as lighting conditions, the size and complexity of the space, and potential obstacles must be considered before installing a wayfinding solution.
Technology
Digital wayfinding includes the use of the latest technology, such as mobile applications and augmented reality. However, it is necessary to consider the technology’s cost, compatibility, and maintenance requirements to ensure a smooth implementation.
Content and Design
The content and design of the digital wayfinding solution must be user-friendly, clear, and consistent. Also, the content should be up-to-date, relevant, and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Best practices for successful implementation of digital wayfinding
Optimise for accessibility
Digital wayfinding must be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. It is essential to follow accessibility guidelines and ensure the content is perceivable, readable, and operable.
Test and iterate
Testing the digital wayfinding solution before and after implementation can help in identifying potential issues and making improvements. So, gather user feedback and iterate the solution to enhance its effectiveness.
Train staff
Staff members must be trained on how to use the digital wayfinding solution to assist users and troubleshoot issues. Having a support system in place is also beneficial to address any technical issues.
The bottom line!
Digital wayfinding solutions are slowly woven into the fabric of Australian organisations to assist, for instance, students on campuses, customers in airports, or shopping centres. Wayfinding touchscreen monitors can efficiently serve the needs of all your stakeholders.
