Project

Hospital Wayfinding Specialists

Dedicated Hospital Wayfinding Website

An effective hospital wayfinding system is often under estimated - with costly consequences.

ID/Lab specialises in developing reliable, evidence based wayfinding solutions. Check out our comprehensive Hospital Wayfinding Website for further information: www.hospitalwayfinding.com.au

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Austin Hospital Wayfinding

Claude Group

This project was a comprehensive review of current wayfinding and information provision at the Austin and Mercy Hospitals. Sign manufacturer Claude Group engaged ID/Lab to undertake a detailed analysis of wayfinding issues at the hospitals. We then developed a strategic plan and wayfinding system, that could be developed internally by the hospitals own management team.

About one year after the Austin and Mercy Hospitals opened, the hospital’s management became aware that there were severe problems with the existing wayfinding, however they were unable to identify the exact nature of the issues and how to resolve them.

We developed survey tools that enabled us to identify problem areas and recommend appropriate remedial action. We also demonstrated that the current poor wayfinding provision was costing the hospital over $2m each year in missed appointments and staff time spent giving directions.

In addition, the review provided the Austin Hospital with a plan to integrate wayfinding into its business strategy and provide the newly formed Wayfinding Working Group with the appropriate management tools to maintain it.

The implementation of the first phase of the wayfinding strategy focused on the confusing vertical circulation and the ‘legibility’ of primary pathways. The effect on patient and visitor experience as well as staff efficiency and job satisfaction has been profound.

“Based on the information from the audit, and combined with international research and best practice, ID/Lab made a number of recommendations. Some of these recommendations were signage related, where others involved environmental changes. The most urgent of these recommendations have just been implemented and the improvements are astonishing! It is clear that wayfinding is not signage, but a holistic view of navigation and human behaviour”.

Megan Gray (client)

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Royal Melbourne HospitalRoyal Park Campus

Claude Group

Typically, hospitals attempt to remedy perceived wayfinding problems with expensive and unplanned signage systems, produced and implemented by sign manufacturers claiming to “do” wayfinding.

In this instance, sign manufacturer Claude Group understood the value of ID/Lab’s specialist wayfinding experience. They engaged us to undertake an initial assessment of the existing wayfinding and information provision at the site and its impact on service provision as well as visitor and patient experience.

ID/Lab used a range of audit tools including email surveys, wayfinding task analysis and interviews.

The audit highlighted problems faced by patients attempting to find a number of key departments.These issues were largely due to ambiguity in the naming of departments and buildings (many patients were unaware that their destination may be in a seperate building); the legibility of primary pathways between buildings and clear guidance for staff in giving directions to visitors and patients.

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Royal Children's Hospital Wayfinding Strategy

Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd

Case study

…“There are very few companies truly qualified as wayfinding specialists that can deliver intelligent solutions and innovative design. ID /Lab have created a unique formula that puts them at the forefront of their profession in Australia, particularly for complex projects.

With this in mind we ensured they were a key part of the design team from the start to create a wayfinding Strategy that informed the building design and absolutely supported the principles of our approach”…

— Ninotschka Titchkosky, Principal, BVN Architecture

ID/Lab was in demand with three bidding parties on the Royal Children's Hospital PPP.

We started working with BVN architects on their bid and, when they were not selected to go through to the second round, Plenary was asked by the State to work with us on improving the wayshowing strategy component of their bid. In the end, when Bovis Lend Lease and Bates Smart Architects were selected to build the hospital, we were selected to develop the actual wayfinding strategy for Melbourne’s new Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

This project presented a great opportunity to develop new benchmark for wayfinding provision in paediatric health care, using best practice guidance and research into wayfinding, cognitive mapping and language.

The wayfinding strategy needed to meet the following objectives:

* Create a legible environment, where key functions and processes are expressed with minimum signage

* Define information delivery including signage to be accessible to the broadest range of users including children and those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

* Develop a clear naming strategy for the site, buildings, departments, processes and landmarks

* Develop a clear structure and hierarchy for public circulation

* Develop guidance on the most effective use of theming and colour coding

* Develop a performance specification for the graphic design of the signage hardware and environmental graphics.

Some examples:

Cognitive Maps:

People have a natural ability to develop ‘cognitive maps’ or ‘mental models’ when exploring new environments.

This ability allows an individual to explore an environment with a series of direction changes and then determine a return journey that does not require retracing the initial route. However, not everybody uses the same strategy; children and individuals with cognitive impairment, or those with partial sight have limited or no ability to develop cognitive maps; and tend to explore environments as a series of events.

Route and event navigation:

For the RCH, an emphasis is placed on creating simple linear flows on each level of each building, rather than following a series of arrows to navigate. The wayfinding system then allows users of all ages to move between landmarks that have been specifically designed to elicit a positive emotional response that helps people of all ages remember relative locations and events.

Landmarks:

It is important that patients and visitors can identify key features and functions from a distance, even when they are partly obscured (such as lift lobbies and reception areas).

ID/Lab’s wayfinding strategy utilised a number of large landmarks that were developed in collaboration with the interior designers and community partnerships. Research shows that, particularly for children, landmarks

that trigger an emotional response are far more effective then abstract landmarks.

It is important that landmarks can be easily described in basic English, such as “turn right at the blue bear”. This encourages exploration and prompt ones memory for return journeys.

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Auburn Hospital-Western Sydney Area Health ServiceTerminology and Pictogram Research

Brookfield Multiplex

Pictogram research

Apart from developing a Strategy for the Auburn Hospital, ID/Lab also conducted a study of pictogram comprehension and terminology research at Auburn Hospital.

Many of the test subjects struggled to understand what were thought to be relatively simple ‘iconic’ images. The images with the highest levels of comprehension were those based on ISO images commonly used in a range of public environments, regardless of the level of comprehension.

We recommend that pictograms, other than a few very well known ones (toilets, telephone), are never used in isolation, but are always backed-up by the term for that procedure or destination.

Terminology Research

.."Only half the people

surveyed understood

more than 30% of the

terms used in hospital

signing "..

A hospital typically uses a range of jargon, archaic terms, abbreviations and acronyms when communicating to their users.

Research undertaken in 1998 by Information Design Unit for UK’s National Health Service (NHS) reveals that only half the people surveyed understood more than 30% of the terms used in hospital signing. ID/Lab has recently conducted a study of hospital terminology comprehension for the Auburn Hospital in NSW.

The study involved users from the top five most common languages spoken by the hospitals users, representing 75% of the hospitals CALD (Cultural and Linguistic Diversity) users. At first glance the results of the terminology testing provide few surprises:

Terms such as Podiatry (10%) were not understood nearly as well as Foot Clinic (42%). The lowest scores given for Allied Health (0%) and Ambulatory (0%). Both these terms are meaningless to patients and visitors, regardless of their proficiency in the English language.

These findings illustrate the confusion that can occur when using ‘medical or process jargon’ on signage.

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Auburn Hospital - Western Sydney Area Health ServiceWayfinding Strategy

Brookfield Multiplex

Auburn Hospital, part of Western Sydney Area Health Service, is a 184 bed hospital near Parramatta NSW.

Brookfield Multiplex asked ID/Lab to develop a wayshowing strategy and provide signage allocation plans, schedules, signage design and a tender document. We worked in close collaboration with the architects Silver Thomas Hanley & Hassell, and with the Art Consultant on the development of the strategy.

Art types and placement can have a great influence on people’s navigational behaviour, and between the different parties we ensured that art and wayshowing worked hand in hand. The hospital had indicated that they wished to integrate the main art piece in the signage design, and Buro North used our design performance specifications to developed a signage design that referred back to this magnificent piece of aboriginal art in the main stairwell.

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EASTLINK

SEITA

When graphic designers Buro North were asked to provide ideas for advertising opportunities on the new EastLink freeway in Melbourne, they turned to ID/Lab to arm them with the necessary research information that they could base their design on.

ID/Lab undertook an initial assessment of the relevant studies necessary to conduct a sound evidence based research to assess the potential impact of freeway advertising on driver behaviour and performance on the new freeway. We identified potential locations for advertising sites, and recommendations how the design response could meet safety constraints and operational requirements while remaining commercially viable.

The final design response reflected the creative and technical input of the designer and ID/Lab respectively. The resulting advertising panels are split into vertical planes - the location of these planes, their angle to the road and legibility have all been calculated to limit the amount of time the driver is distracted to a maximum of three seconds, equating to a driving distance of 84 meters.

Research showed a clear pattern in driver “glance behaviour” which enabled ID/Lab to predict which sections of the freeway placed the least demand on drivers and therefore provided drivers with spare capacity to view messages without measurably affecting safety.

Additional guidance was provided regarding content, and technical solutions were proposed that would allow messages to be changed according to the predominant traveller profile. This will enable the commercial team to sell peak and off peak time slots, as well as varying ad location.

Advertising structure design by Buro North

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Harbourtown & Southern Star Observation Wheel Melbourne

ING Real Estate

Featuring the 120 meters high ‘Southern Star’ observation wheel,

this site is an entertainment and retail precinct with complex

requirements from an operational and traffic management perspective.

1,500,000 people are expected to visit the Southern Star Wheel

annually, in addition tothe already large number of shoppers in

Harbour Town shopping precinct. ID/Lab was commissioned

to develop the wayfinding strategy and performance

specifications for the signage hardware.

We collaborated closely with the operators of the Southern Star,

to determine the gaps between expected and desired navigational

behaviour, and developed a strategy that gives the retail areas

the importance the operators envisioned.

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Deakin University

Development of a Wayfinding Masterplan

Deakin University identified a wayfinding problem and was working with Daryl Jackson Architects on a masterplan, when Daryl Jackson Architects suggested ID/Lab should develop a masterplan for wayfinding.

When visiting Deakin Waurn Ponds, we interviewed stakeholders and surveyed the grounds and spoke to students and staff.

The staff felt that more could be done to minimise the amount of direction giving needed around campus. Many felt that signage needed a revamp and certain roads and pathways needed to be made more dominant.

The campus map was also identified as not as effective as the previous map. This was important as many of the staff used the map/index pamphlet when giving directions around campus.

ID/Lab looked at vehicular and pedestrian and carpark flows, addressing systems, pre-visit information and looked at material used, the message type (what should be used and how big should this be for the different users)

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Falls Creek Wayfinding & Signage Design

Client: Falls Creek Resort Management

Project Description

ID/Lab developed a wayfinding strategy and signage performance specifications that met the needs of this four seasons resort.

The wayfinding and signage strategy had two main challenges:

Firstly, the extreme topography of the village created challenging and counter intuitive pathways for visitors and secondly, the processes, facilities and visitor profiles change dramatically between the summer and winter seasons.

The wayfinding strategy simplifies many of the typical pedestrian journeys within the village by formalisation of existing vertical access routes. These routes are designed to create logical and more efficient pathways providing a better fit with people’s innate navigational strategies, and in some instances provide an alternative to the complex arrivals and departures experienced during the winter months.

We engaged graphic designers Buro North, and devised a solution that minimises the manufacturing, transport, energy and emissions impacts. This design structure features a modular system of recyclable, cast aluminium components that fit around a standard street pole. These modules hold replaceable information panels that can be seasonally changed with efficiency. The entire system can be assembled and disassembled on site, reducing heavy transportation costs.

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Silverwater Resort

Claude Group

Australian property developers Brico engaged Claude Group to manufacture and install a signage package for the new Silverwater Resort in San Remo. The resort will contain over 300 apartments and includes restaurants, spa and conference facilities covering 21 acres.

Claude Group engaged ID/Lab to develop pedestrian and vehicle wayfinding strategies for the resort. Using techniques developed on previous projects we were able to asses the impact of the local topography on reading distances, develop a performance specification for signage components and reduce the overall quantity of directional signs by nearly 20%, providing considerable cost savings.

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Crown Casino Performance Specifications, Wayfinding Strategy, 3D Modelling

Crown, BatesSmart Architects, Fabio Ongarato Design, FutureBrand

Crown Entertainment Complex in Melbourne, spreads out over 3 city blocks on the south bank of the Yarra River, attracting an average of 16 million visitors yearly.

The Crown Entertainment Complex incorporates several nightclubs, a Village Cinema and multiple restaurants, fast food outlets, food courts and shops. The complex also houses an electronic games arcade and bowling alley.

It has two hotel towers, with a third one underway.

ID/Lab has worked with Crown’s project office on a number of projects, ranging from developing performance specifications for graphic designers, to wayfinding strategies. Our 3D spacial modelling has allowed Crown to make more informed decisions on information placement, people flows, and even hording placements during the renovation stages.

Some of the projects were done in collaboration with FutureBrand, Fabio Ongerato Design and BatesSmart Architects.

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ANZ Global HQ Wayfinding Strategy

Fabio Ongarato Design/Hassell Architects

At 87,000 square metres the ANZ HQ is the largest commercial office building in Australia, able to accommodate approximately 6,500 ANZ employees.

It features a dramatic, central, light-filled atrium designed to maximise light penetration across floors. The office has an ultra modern design, creating a leading-edge work environment.

ID/Lab, in collaboration with Fabio Ongarato and Hassell Architects, developed a wayshowing strategy for the building. This included developing a meeting room addressing strategy for the many meeting rooms, lift core identification, anticipated employee flows and navigation, allocation planning and signage scheduling. We also worked together with Morris Godding Consultants to develop an access strategy for people with disabilities and wrote technical specifications for the designers.

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Fairfax Headquarters Wayfinding & Signage

Fairfax Media

A clear building addressing strategy is essential for a complex multi-level environment such as the Fairfax Media headquarters in Sydney. A Buro North, a Graphic Designer, was engaged to develop an innovative design solution for signage and ambient graphic elements, and engaged ID/Lab to develop a wayfinding strategy and assist them in developing evidence based design solutions.

The wayfinding strategy developed a simple system, utilising a basic alpha numeric sequence for desk identification, and an equally simple, level specific numbering sequence for rooms, similar to those employed in large hotels.

ID/Lab’s previous experience in delivering wayfinding solutions for similar environments combined with relevant research regarding user behaviour and typical navigating strategies; ensured that Büro North’s designs not only looked great but delivered the highest level of usability, complying with all relevant standards.

ID/Lab also provided project management and documentation services to the project, ensuring clear lines of communication between designers and client representatives, and delivering highly accurate schedule and tender documentation. This dramatically reduced the workload for both the designer and architect, and ensured accurate tender returns.

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WayFinding

A user’s experience of their environment is influenced by a variety of factors. These include the architecture, the ambience and the way that people flow through. If the impression is one of confusion or uncertainty, one’s attitudes deteriorate. Adding signs may help, or it may make things worse by adding to the complexity.

In a new-build project we can collaborate with the architect, interior designer and urban planner to develop stimuli that are part of the architectural and landscape design.

If the facility is an existing site, we can assess the effectiveness of what exists and recommend measures to improve it. This could cover all wayshowing information, including printed, verbal, architectural and signage systems.

Whatever the scope – comprehensive wayshowing or signage design – we can help from initial assessments and strategic planning through to tender documentation and implementation.

The methodologies applied by ID/Lab have been shown to reduce operational costs for a wide range of organisations and reduce the exposure to risk for large signage projects. Decisions are not just made because they ‘seem right’; but are informed by evidence gained through practical experience, research and testing. Information is located where research shows it will be most effective and the audience is communicated with in a way research shows they will best understand.

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ASCIM stands for:

Assessment (Review)

Strategy (Think)

Creation (Develop)

Implementation (Do)

Maintenance (Keep)

A project does not necessarily include all the elements described here, and there are projects that may have elements not in this description.

It can also be started in any of the phases, and be executed in sequence, or as an individual phase.

Assessment Phase- Review

In the Assessment phase we work on discovering what the state of your present wayfinding is; what works, what does not work, where are the problems and what do these problems cost you. We use two tools in this phase, the eSurvey and the Wayfinding Experience Audit.

eSurvey

eSurvey is a electronic email tool that allows us to very quickly, (and with a minimum interruption of your staff’s time), gather a large quantity of information from the people who are dealing with wayfinding issues on a daily basis.

Although we prepare the survey, because of privacy issues, you will employ the survey in your organisation. The results will automatically come back to us, enabling us to accurately pinpoint hotspots and estimate the amount of time that is wasted by your staff in DGI’s - Direction Giving Incidents.

Wayfinding Experience Audit

The Wayfinding Experience Audit helps us understand the wayfinding challenges faced by your users. During the audit, members of the ID/Lab project team spend a number of days on site, immersing themselves in the wayfinding challenges faced by the sites visitors and staff. The team engages in a variety of activities during this process, including:

• Interviews with staff, visitors, and other stakeholders

• Observation and documentation of user behaviour

• Facility arrival and navigation exercises covering a variety of different scenarios

• Reviews of existing printed/interactive materials

• Exploring other client-specific areas of concern

The purpose of these activities is both to develop a thorough understanding of the project’s mission and goals, and to evaluate how well this mission is reflected in all aspects of the user experience, including printed materials, the Internet, staff interaction and the environment. As appropriate, observations are documented using photography, digital video, text descrip¬tions, and sketches. These will be used for subsequent in-depth analysis and presentation to the client.

Post Implementation Evaluation

The PIE is done 6-12 months after the implementation of a new wayfinding system. It measures the effectiveness of the new system and is an opportunity to test the assumptions made during the strategy phase. It is also called the ‘Post-it’ round, since an easy way to measure the quality of the system sometimes is to check on self produced notices and Post-it notes directing people to other locations.

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This is the phase where different strategies are developed and tested. Using the results of the evaluation phase, best practise, and the enormous body of world-wide human behaviour research, we devise ways to influence the user’s behaviour so that their navigation fits in with your business objectives.

Using the understanding obtained during our evaluation activities, ID/Lab creates a Wayshowing Masterplan, which establishes a strategic approach, design direction, budget, and phasing plan for the development and implemen¬tation of the integrated wayshowing solution. This masterplan, the blueprint that guides the development and implementation of the integrated wayfinding solution, can include items such as:

A summary of the Experience Audit process and the resulting observations and recommendationsAn overall strategy for the wayfinding system– defining the relationship of components to one anotherA plan for each site or building showing proposed circulation routes and general locations of major wayfinding componentsA preliminary strategy for wayfinding related DDA issues (Disability and Discrimination Act)An analysis of existing maintenance processes for physical signage, printed components, technology tools, and training materialsA strategy for ongoing maintenance of the system, including any required redesign of existing business processesA comprehensive list of projects for short- and long-term implementation, including budgets and recommended phasingPerformance Specifications for finish treatments, architectural enhancements, furnishings, signage, public art, etcetera (A performance specification is a description of the desired results or performance of a product, material, assembly, or piece of equipment with criteria for verifying compliance)A communications strategy describing the needs of internal and external audiences, and a list of tactics and components for communi¬cating with each audiencePreliminary content summaries for staff training materials

The completed masterplan typically includes projects that can be implemented by ID/Lab, as well as recommendations for items that will be handled by institution staff or other consultants.

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This is the phase where the ideas developed in the strategy phase are translated to items that can be implemented, using the performance specifications from the Strategy Phase. Activities in this phase can include:

Graphic and industrial design of signage systemsArchitectural interior design and industrial design of placemaking, landmark & public art elementsGraphic design of communication tools like interpreter brochures, site and facility maps, information packages, directories, wayfinding web site, internal training material, etceteraDesign or modification of architectural, interior design and landscaping integration3D computer modelling of the buildings or siteRecommendations for your DDA complianceDevelopment of detailed allocation plans and schedulesDevelopment of tender documents3D Modelling

For some of the intricate spaces we develop wayfinding solutions for, we build a 3D computer model of the building or site.

The modelling allows us to test different solutions for their effectiveness, often using on-site test subjects. We can see how people react to changes in the build environment, and tweak the solution to get optimal results, before the solution is implemented.

Signage Systems

Effective signage hardware is a part of the solution to most wayfinding challenges. ID/Lab provides complete planning, design, and implementation services for a full range of signage elements in the built environment. This includes interior and exterior pedestrian and vehicular directional signage, building or campus directories, building and tenant identification elements, room numbering, info booths/kiosks, and architectural clues (landmarks, zoning, pathways, etc.)

Where the primary objective is wayfinding, as opposed to placemaking or brand building, our goal is always to minimise the total number of signage elements in the environment by utilising smart, hard-working signs placed at appropriate wayfinding decision points. And we work closely with architects where appropriate to ensure that all wayfinding components are thoughtfully integrated into the design of any new construc¬tion or renovation.

Allocation Plans and Schedules

ID/Locator, a unique software tool, links signage schedules directly with detailed allocation plans. It assures that any change made in a schedule is automatically updated on the allocation plans and vice versa.

With ID/Locator, there is no more staring at architectural plans, covered in coloured dots and signage codes, switching from spreadsheet to plan.

It creates plans that show every sign in its exact location, its exact orientation, with its exact text displayed, making it much easier for the end-user to read and approve.

Electronic Wayfinding Technology

The most effective wayfinding programs start working before users begin their journey, and the Internet is an ideal way to deliver directions, maps, and other information to users before they leave their home or workplace. These online tools also represent an opportunity to introduce patients and visitors to the wayfinding elements they will experience later, and even give them a broader preview of what to expect throughout the healthcare process.

Once patients and visitors arrive at the facility, interactive elements such as touch-screen kiosks can provide customised, printable directions and maps to specific destinations. And when tied to existing databases, can even allow patients to retrieve details about current and future appointments. ID/Lab has the strategic and technical capabilities to develop these interactive tools, from initial concept through design, programming and launch.

Communication Toolkits

ID/Lab can develop a full range of printed materials that improve the patient’s experience and encourage adoption of the new wayfinding system - from information packages to staff training materials.

Patient-oriented materials can include facility maps and directories, user-friendly information packages or interpreters information. Since staff buy-in and adoption are essential to the success of an Integrated Wayshowing Solution, ID/Lab suggests to develop materials that build enthusiasm for the new system and encourage its use. These can include everything from printed or interactive training materials to customer-service scripts.

Placemaking Elements

Public art, paving patterns, seasonal pageantry, and other elements often support the project’s wayshowing objectives as well as its brand and market position.

There are a wide variety of elements that can be used at a project to enhance the physical environment - creating a stronger sense of place and supporting the project’s brand position

Examples of these elements include:

Interior and exterior supergraphicsFloor, wall, and column treatmentsPublic art or sculptural elementsWater featuresSpeciality lightingFurnishingsElectronic displaysThemed environmentsInterpretive displaysSeasonal or event-specific pageantrySponsored marketing or promotional graphicsOther non-signage environmental enhancements

Because of our diverse capabilities and experience, ID/Lab is able to offer various levels of planning, design, and implementation services for these placemaking elements. ID/Lab may handle some of them all the way through documentation and contract administration, while others may be concepted by us and then further developed by the project architect or appropriate speciality consultants.

Tender Documents

In addition to experts in signage planning and design, the ID/Lab team also includes specialists in signage materials and fabrication methods, which enable us to provide services through documentation and tendering.

Our involvement in the development of the systems makes us best suited to determine whether sub-contractors have used the right quality materials and manufacturing methods. Of course, these services are in close collaboration with the head contractor.

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Once the strategy has been agreed upon, all materials and hardware has been specified, production and implementation starts.

Activities in this phase can include:

Turn-key implementationQuality management of suppliersShop drawing approvalsPrototype approvalsPre- and after installation quality controlDetailed installation instructionsLiaison with manufacturers and installersTurn-key implementation

ID/Lab have built-up a network of professional manufacturers that adhere to the same quality standards as we do. Working in a quality management role and in close collaboration with these manufacturers, we can offer a turn-key implementation of the project.

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How a wayshowing system is managed is as vital to good wayfinding as the original strategy and implementation. Without active management, a wayshowing system quickly becomes historical, and as the gap between the information provided by the wayshowing system and the users experience widens, trust in the system is lost.

Normally, the development of a wayshowing strategy would include a plan for the onward management of the system, establishing guiding principles that will be used to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the wayshowing program in the future.

The plan must identify which individuals are responsible for the onward management of the wayshowing strategy, their responsibilities and reporting structures.

In this phase, ID/Lab is available to give advise and or training to the people involved with the management, on issues like:

Things have changed, how does this impact the wayshowing?How can I develop a temporary wayshowing solution that does not impact the existing system?A building is added, how do we make the new system integrate with the old?

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Blog

We publish a blog with articles about wayfinding, wayshowing, design, placemaking, legibility, and human behaviour in navigation.

Click here to view our blog

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Most people think that creating a wayshowing* system equals designing signage.

We believe it is much more than that. Users find navigation easiest in a 'Legible Environment', a space where signage, people, architecture, landscaping, interior design, lighting, art, printed and digital information all play an important role in providing navigational stimuli.

Therefore, ID/Lab create Legible Environments, in buildings, offices, hotels, hospitals, airports, towns & cities, where navigation is easy because they explain what the users need to know, when they need to know it.

Of course, we design signage…… but only as one of the tools required to assist people finding their way!

Wayshowing versus Wayfinding

The Danish Professor Per Mollerup, who first coined the term wayshowing in his book titled, “Wayshowing”, describes its relationship to wayfinding:

“Wayshowing relates to wayfinding as writing relates to reading and as speaking relates to hearing. The purpose of wayshowing is to facilitate wayfinding. Wayshowing is the means, wayfinding is the end.”

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Team

Wayshowing Strategist

Michel has over 20 years experience in wayfinding, brand, signage and graphic design, in Australia and Europe.

He has a detailed understanding of human behaviour across a wide range of environments, and a thorough knowledge of best practice guidelines and legislation, including DDA requirements.

This experience allows him to provide highly efficient information and wayfinding strategies, which will enable users to effectively navigate a site, whilst meeting commercial and operational objectives.

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Wayshowing Strategist/Information Designer

Jonathan is currently undertaking a MA Creative Practice for Narrative Environments. He works across physical and online environments. When not playing around with typography, Jonathan is fascinated by the potential of design to create meaningful human experiences in the built environment. Jonathan wrote the course Visual Identity in the Built Environment and has been teaching it at COFA, UNSW since 2003.

Since 2008 Jonathan has been working as a Senior Design/Wayshowing Strategist in the UK, leading a wayshowing planning and strategy team, while conducting pedestrian movement and wayfinding studies and devising wayshowing strategies for urban realm projects.

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Junior Wayshowing Strategist

Alison is a qualified Interior Designer with a deep passion for design, composition of interior space and visual communication, and looking at many different areas of research and concepts to influence design projects, human behavior and creating something that makes life better.

She studied with Swinburne National school of Design and has a background in designing for commercial environments.

Alison has particular interest for the intellectual approach to the effect of ones environment on behavior, and the wayfinding philosophy. She loves creating and designing ‘spaces’ that interact with people.

Her analyzing and problem-solving mind should quickly adapt to the world of wayshowing for the benefit of everyone using a space.

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Documentation Manager

After graduating from RMIT with a BA of Interior Design, Kate has built a unique experience in documenting wayshowing and signage projects.

She has worked on the allocation drawings and signage scheduling of projects ranging from hospitals to corporate fit-outs - all with a good understanding of ID/Lab’s wayshowing principles. She is known for her thoroughness; nothing escapes her attention.

Kate used to work as a project manager in a signage company, which makes her well placed to bring realism and real-life experience to the documentation of our projects.

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Project Administrator

Yvonne is responsible for the project administration and assures that i's are dotted and t's are crossed.

Her previous work experience includes working for Nike Europe and the Rabobank in marketing roles, and as a project manager for a design studio. In her spare time she is an active walker, biker and general outdoors person.

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Psychologist

Louise is an internationally renowned research fellow at the University of Melbourne, and advises ID/Lab on our research projects and on the interpretation and application of international research.

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People & Design are a network of members with diverse design disciplines, covering the following: Fire & Life Safety Risks, OHS, Disabled Access, BCA, Wayfinding/Wayshowing

This network is developed because we noticed on a number of occasions that the advice from the individual consultants, although correct on its own, did have an impact on the advice one of the other consultants had given. (e.g. it may be an OHS requirement for a hand rail to be at a certain height, but in doing so, it blocks the view of a person in a wheelchair).

What our network has in common is how people behave in the built environment.

We as a network group believe that a coordinated approach will not only create a much better result, but will also provide a unique offer on many projects.

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Contact

03 8682 9813 Office

info@idlab.com.au

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