Pacific Lantern Wayfinding

Wayfinding is a closed system, which not only lets you know your present location, how to get where you want to go, but also something about the place where you are. It is factual, directional information delivered in a manner that is contextual as well as psychological. When delivered effectively in this way the user not only navigates their surroundings effortlessly but as a result feels at ease, safe, welcomed and “at home”. It is a multi-level system that is accurate, up to date and evokes a “spirit of place”

This a wayfinding project proposal I directed and developed with a select group of students (David Mayman, Ivan Rocha, Glynnis Koike and Lauren Friedrich) for the University of the Pacific. The multi-level system design won the the University’s Hoefer Prize for undergraduate research in 2010.

Project Abstract:

WayFinding plays a crucial part in the operation of a society. It unifies a group of people by establishing a common visual language of symbols, markers, images, and words. According to David Gibson author of “The WayFinding Handbook: Information Design for Public Places,” it creates a public narrative of how people witness, read, and experience a space. At its core, it is a systematic method of helping a person answer two questions: “Where am I?” and “How do I get there?” This provides guidance, putting people at ease in their surroundings. An effective WayFinding system encompasses existing visual markers, while also allowing for future modifications. It requires an attention to a variety of design applications including signs, maps, and interactive media employing orientational, directional, and identifying information. Currently, at UOP, there lacks such a unified system, partially exemplified by incomplete and inconsistent signage. A successful system is both functional and aesthetic. It captures personality and emphasizes unique character, furthering brand identity. Employing the theories of visual communication, hierarchy, color, and iconography, can create this sense of unity and consistency. The process should be a collaborative effort between academic, service, and administrative departments and utilize the University’s long-term plan of campus development. In addition, the proposal is dedicated to practicing and promoting sustainability through our system applications. The goal is to produce a comprehensive network, linking and enhancing connections within the University by improving campus orientation, navigation, and identification. This design approach will produce a comprehensible method of connectivity that captures the campus personality and emphasizes its character in an intuitive, consistent, and aesthetically beautiful manner.

Click this link for a more detailed PowerPoint describing the project
pacific-lantern-presentation

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