Abstract

Designing effective wayfinding maps to assist people to navigate effectively within a specific environment has always been an issue. According to Wright, ‘[users] have responded negatively to map design in the past ... ’(cited in Wood 1993). The aim of this paper is to address the importance of user-centred approaches in the design of wayfinding maps. In this paper I am proposing that graphic and information designers should emphasize the interaction processes between people and maps, people and the physical environment, and the relationship that people create between the map and the environment. This paper also suggests a speculative wayfinding map design process based on the mentioned human factors.

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Nov 17th, 12:00 AM

User-Centred Approach in Visual and Spatial Reasoning: Design Research in Wayfinding Map Design.

Designing effective wayfinding maps to assist people to navigate effectively within a specific environment has always been an issue. According to Wright, ‘[users] have responded negatively to map design in the past ... ’(cited in Wood 1993). The aim of this paper is to address the importance of user-centred approaches in the design of wayfinding maps. In this paper I am proposing that graphic and information designers should emphasize the interaction processes between people and maps, people and the physical environment, and the relationship that people create between the map and the environment. This paper also suggests a speculative wayfinding map design process based on the mentioned human factors.

 

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