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wayfinding

wayfinding

1 4.5
Helping people find their way in a place using signs and maps
  • noun
  • /ˈweɪˌfaɪndɪŋ/
  • Specialized
: orientación
  • The park's wayfinding system includes clear signs that guide visitors to the nearest restroom.
  • wayfinding for the blind
  • wayfinding technology
  • wayfinding applications for travelers

Examples

  • We conclude that route instructions can improve wayfinding for individuals with visual impairments in unfamiliar buildings.

    Academic text (2010)
  • However, the bulk of research on wayfinding has focused on piloting, with very promising results and a number of commercial products already available.

    Academic text (2012)
  • The participants' wayfinding performance was evaluated using several measures.

    Academic text (2010)
  • We sincerely hope that these factors combine to increase access to these powerful wayfinding tools.

    Academic text (2007)
  • One goal was to determine if the route information provided by the Building Navigator resulted in improved wayfinding performance.

    Academic text (2010)
  • In this study, the baseline condition required wayfinding without the Building Navigator technology.

    Academic text (2010)
  • We'll continue to tweak and refine the wayfinding going forward so that visitors can find what they want.

    Blog text (1)
  • Wayfinding in large-scale real-world spaces is different from wayfinding in limited areas.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The 12-year-olds were more efficient at wayfinding than the 6-year-olds.

    Academic text (1997)
  • We are enthusiastic designers, planners, and expert technicians practicing environmental graphics, wayfinding, signage design, and exhibit design.

    Blog text (33)

Synonyms

pathfinding
vswayfinding
  • Specialized
1 5.5

Finding a route from one place to another, often used in computer games and robots

helps people move through places using maps and other guiding tools
signposting
vswayfinding
1 3.6

Signs and markers that show directions in places like roads and buildings

includes marked directions plus maps and other guides as a full assistance system

Antonyms

Feeling confused about where you are, who you are, or what is real

Surface Forms

wayfinding singular
wayfindings plural

Morphology

wayfinding = way + finding (transparent) = way + find + ing

The compound is directly interpretable as 'the act or system of finding a way' from 'way' + 'finding' (find + -ing).

Etymology

Wayfinding is built from the simple words way ('path' or 'road') and finding ('discovering'), so it literally means 'finding the way'. That's why wayfinding as a noun refers to the signs, maps, and systems that help people find their way around a building or place.