how do i find a good agency for wayfinding and wayfinding systems?
a good wayfinding system helps people choose the right path at key junctions. a qualified agency therefore examines routes, destinations, and wayfinding challenges before designing signs. when making your selection, you should evaluate how spatial analysis, information architecture, and design are integrated.
scope of services and delimitation
wayfinding helps people find their way through spaces or locations. a wayfinding system achieves this by linking destination names, spatial decision points, and visible information. when choosing a partner, it is important to ensure that the agency analyzes this orientation task before designing individual signs. additional signage can only compensate to a limited extent for an unclear wayfinding structure.
orientation begins before the individual sign
when someone enters a building or a space for the first time, they are not yet familiar with its layout. therefore, destination labels, sightlines, and decision points must fit together in a way that is easy to understand. adding more signs does not always resolve an unclear layout. start with the most important routes and determine where information is needed. the return route and alternative entrances are also part of the task.
four criteria for choosing a partner
- relevant references: review the agency’s actual contribution to the project.
- standardize terminology: the same destinations should be referred to consistently on signs, maps, and digital information.
- prototyping: critical principles should be reviewed early on in an appropriate manner.
- practicality: guidelines and concepts must be applicable to real-world teams and media.
project process and decisions
start with an analysis, a target vision, and prioritized requirements. compare alternative approaches before working out the details. test critical elements early on and document approvals. you can find more information on this in the design consulting by f/p design.
example of a typical decision
suppose two designs have different visual impacts but do not support the same content equally well. a meaningful comparison, therefore, considers clarity, consistency, scalability, and the effort required for future use, rather than just the visual impact.
common mistakes in selection and contracting
unclear deliverables, a lack of decision-making rules, and committing too early to specific design elements can be problematic. insist on transparent principles and clarify how future expansions or variations will be handled.
compare costs and schedules effectively
the scope, number of touchpoints, prototypes, and iteration cycles determine the effort required. have the analysis, concept, development, guidelines, and implementation support listed separately. this makes it possible to compare proposals with varying levels of detail.
the briefing for an initial meeting
describe the goal, target audiences, existing systems, and desired changes. provide existing brand, product, or spatial guidelines. list the teams involved and indicate which decisions have already been made.
frequently asked questions about wayfinding and wayfinding systems
when should the design partner begin?
early enough that fundamental decisions regarding structure and usage can still be influenced. at the same time, the key business and technical constraints should be known.
how important are prototypes?
they help us evaluate the structure, clarity, and usability before the final version is completed. the prototype should accurately reflect the uncertain decision.
how can agencies be compared?
compare references, the actual role in the project, the team, the methodology, the deliverables, and implementation support. image quality alone is not a sufficient criterion.
what role do guidelines play?
they translate design principles into repeatable rules. good guidelines provide direction without having to anticipate every future situation.
how are different touchpoints connected?
through shared principles of information, branding, and design. at the same time, each touchpoint should fulfill its specific purpose.
what is not automatically included in the design services?
specialized planning, technical verifications, or regulatory approvals are not covered solely by the term “design.” the proposal and project organization should explicitly identify such roles.
the perspective of f/p design
f/p design combines strategy, product design, brand design, and spatial design in a variety of projects. you can find out more about our brand-related work at brand design.
