Wayfinding Best Practices Wayfinding uses visual and sensory cues to help navigation. As such, it is influenced by many factors in the built environment, including architecture, road layout, landscapes, transportation, lighting conditions, signage, and the presence of people. The greater the complexity of the built environment, the more signage and other tools are needed to guide people on their journeys.
walking routes for people of all ages and abilities. The wayfinding system should reflect principles of inclusive design so that it is fully accessible. Systemization: Design standards for the wayfinding system should be built around simple, modular planning and design elements so that individual signs within the system can be updated as efficiently as possible. The wayfinding system should be supported by consistent content mapping run by the county and/or its partners to ensure system integrity, especially during periods of change.
Downtown Largo Wayfinding Goals Modal integration: Wayfinding information should help connect people walking and biking to transit services and key destinations. It should also help pedestrians and drivers navigate busy intersections safely and efficiently.
Why Wayfinding Matters Effective wayfinding enhances a person’s entire journey, instilling confidence that a trip can be made safely, conveniently, and efficiently. This encourages repeat visits and strengthens the reputation of Downtown Largo as an attractive destination. The diagram below illustrates some of the wider benefits of good wayfinding.
Local distinctiveness: Development of a single wayfinding standard will mean directional information is provided in a consistent manner, while allowing for customized local content. Design for all: Wayfinding should indicate clearly the availability of accessible, comfortable, and safe
Wayfinding
Greater knowledge and exploration
Reduced car use and congestion
More livable neighborhoods
Repeat visits
Greater social inclusion
Longer visitor stays
Increased retail / visitor spending
Improved air quality
Increased real estate values
Reduced household taxation
Increased efficiency of road network
Mode shift
Increased walking
Increased bicycling
Greater foot traffic
Increased business
Improved health
Increased use of public transportation
Reduced car use and congestion
Increased transit revenues
Improved air quality
Reduced greenhouse gas emmissions
Source: Seamless Seattle Pedestrian Wayfinding Strategy (Page 11), 2019. City of Seattle.
70
•
Downtown Largo Placemaking, Branding, and Wayfinding Strategy
Prince George’s County Planning Department