Wayfinding in Complex Medical Facilities: The Indexicality of Directional Arrows

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Architecture and Urban Design

Background:

• Poorly designed built environments hinder navigation, particularly for diverse user groups.
• Directional arrows are frequently problematic elements within wayfinding systems.
• User challenges in navigating complex settings are extensively documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance wayfinding system design by analyzing directional arrow properties.
• To explicate the indexical properties of directional arrows and their impact on wayfinding behavior.
• To provide insights for creating more effective navigation aids.

Main Methods:

• Employed ethnographic data collection over three years.
• Utilized three overlapping phases for data analysis.
• Adopted the unique adequacy requirement for methodological rigor.

Main Results:

• Directional arrows derive meaning from environmental context, sign placement, and arrow design.
• Wayfinders initially associate an arrow with the nearest perceived affordance.
• User interpretation of arrow directionality is provisional until confirmed or refuted by experience.

Conclusions:

• Explicating indexical properties of directional arrows can improve wayfinding system design.
• Addressing arrow design directly tackles persistent wayfinding challenges.
• This research offers a foundation for developing more intuitive and effective navigation solutions.