Wayfinding has been defined as “a consistent use and organization of definite sensory cues from the external environment” by the urban planner Kevin A. Lynch in his 1960 book Image of the City. In an architectural context this means using signage to enable the user to orientate themselves within the architectural space and assist them in finding their way. With the advent of Connectvision digital signage, a new dynamic is now possible making signage more effective and visually impactful. As well as creating opportunities to inform and educate users.
A wayfinding sign systems has to be easy to understand. At its simplest level signs are used to provide orientation, direction, location and safety information. Clearly the content and types of signing technology deployed will be related to the signs usage. For hazard warning and emergency signs the symbols and words used should be clear and readily comprehensible and without embellishment.
Until now a wayfinding system has been a static medium, informative to be sure but only at the most fundamental level, relying on a single symbol or word to convey the information needed. However when the context of the wayfinding system is considered the ability to go beyond the basic and use the wayfinding system to engage and inform becomes more important. The advent of digital signage has created just such opportunities but until now these have been limited to advertising events and venue availability. One reason for this has been the inability to easily update the signs.
Connectvision Wayfinding– dynamic digital signage system
Connectvision Wayfinding is a digital multimedia messaging system that allows information from a variety of digital sources to be presented on a single screen and automatically up-dated in real-time. It bridges the gap between screen-based communications and venue and facilities management systems. Screen content can be zoned and scheduled to appear on screens anywhere at any time, creating a wayfinding system that is both informative and impactful.
Connectvision Wayfinding is highly configurable and scalable, using Microsoft PC networks. It allows each screen to be customised to fulfil its wayfinding function but with the added capability to segment to screen to carry other relevant information. For example, directions to a meeting room customised with the company's logo and supplemented by information about post-meeting dining arrangements. In a hospital details of a clinic and doctors / consultants in attendance could be added to the information about clinic's topic.
Ease of use and content management are fundamental to the way in which Connectvision Wayfinding is deployed. It allows users to draw on a wide variety of image formats and multimedia file types such as jpeg, avi, mov, digital video, PowerPoint Files, and HTML Web Pages. In addition, the software allows information from 'live' feeds from the Internet, Intranet and IP TV to be included in the screen content.
Of course, the ability to display additional information comes with the responsibility to ensure the digital signage's wayfinding role remains paramount. To assist those people who suffer with a print disability or poor eyesight, Connectvision Wayfinding can be interfaced with the RNIB's React Talking Sign system. To use this system, the visually impaired person carries a keyfob. A detector behind the wayfaring screen picks up the keyfob signal and audibly communicates the screens contents to the person.
Wayfinding is one of the oldest forms of communication. Connectvision Wayfinding brings it up-to-date for the 21st century with a comprehensive toolbox of media for enhancing any building / campus wayfinding.