Carbondale Wayfinding Master Plan

What is Wayfinding

Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space. Wayfinding is particularly important in complex built environments such as urban centers, healthcare and educational campuses, and transportation facilities. As architectural environments become more complicated, people need visual cues such as maps, directions, and symbols to help guide them to their destinations. In these often high-stress environments, effective wayfinding systems contribute to a sense of well-being, safety, and security.

Why Wayfinding is Still important

With the rise of electronic wayfinding, there are starting to be some questions if traditional wayfinding signage is still needed. Why spend money on signs and graphics? However, there are still several good reasons for a community to invest in a wayfinding system.

1. Sense of Pride for Local Residents

A consistently branded wayfinding system shows residents that the community is making investments in its public realm. It gives residents a sense of pride in their community. However, wayfinding cannot be a standalone element. Wayfinding should complement other investments such as land use improvements, streetscape enhancements, and public infrastructure.

2. Confidence for Visitors

While visitors and tourists often will use electronic maps, a wayfinding system provides an additional layer of confidence. Just as importantly, a wayfinding system gives visitors confidence that they are welcome in the community.

3. Providing Information not Easily Replicated by Electronic Maps

A wayfinding system can provide information not easily replicated by electronic maps. Bicycling is a good example of this. Navigating via smartphone or smartwatch while on a bicycle is at best distracting. Wayfinding signage can direct bicyclists on key routes and provide helpful information such as when bicyclists and pedestrians share the same trail. Another example is downtown parking. Signage can help visitors to downtown locate public parking lots.