Wayfinding Strategy

Guiding you to a smarter
wayfinding strategy

Wayfinding strategy is so much more than designing a suite of wayfinding signage and choosing locations for them. For example, we consider things such as:

What is the client scope?
Are there cultural, historical or natural considerations?
Is there a methodology to take the client through the 4D process of Discovery, Definition, Development and Delivery?
Does the site require rebranding?
What is the client expectation of the finished strategy?

More than just an outdoor signage

Careful use of sight-lines, furniture and landscaping can draw visitors through a site effectively while ensuring that signage is only used when appropriate. This saves cost and increases visibility, avoiding signage clutter, which detracts and distracts.

Wayfinding design: Analyse, strategise, conceptualise

Hornbeck can create a strategy at RIBA Stage 2 to include background research, branding, design and location. This can be extended to include a tender ready specification document. We will provide a comprehensive document, uniquely matched to your requirements, that will stand the test of time.

Wayfinding for Sleaford 1, Lincolnshire - strategy

North Kesteven District Council issued a tender for a new wayfinding strategy in Sleaford, which we were delighted to be awarded. This involved researching the existing brand guidelines and resources, developing a new brand and toolkit, creating a basemap and providing a DSP (design specification pack).

View project

What is wayfinding?

Wayfinding is the process of guiding people through a physical environment using visual, spatial, and structural cues. It helps individuals navigate complex spaces efficiently, whether in urban areas, transport hubs, or large facilities. A well-planned wayfinding system ensures clarity, reducing confusion and improving user experience.

Effective signage and wayfinding design integrates maps, directional signs, symbols, and architectural features to create intuitive navigation. It considers sight lines, accessibility, and user behaviour to enhance movement through a space. Proper signage installation is essential for visibility and functionality, ensuring signs are placed where they provide maximum guidance without cluttering the environment.

What are the different types of wayfinding?

A well-planned wayfinding strategy relies on different types of signage to help people navigate spaces efficiently. The four main types of wayfinding are identification, directional, informational, and regulatory. Each type serves a distinct purpose in guiding users while enhancing the overall experience of a location.

Bangor Sign Shelter

Identification Wayfinding

Identification signage helps users confirm their location by marking key points of reference, such as building names or entrance points. It ensures people know where they are upon arrival.

The Bangor Sign Shelter is an ideal identification sign, offering a sheltered display for site maps, notices, or landmark information. It protects signage from the elements, making it perfect for parks, campuses, and public spaces where long-term durability is essential.

Bristol Fingerpost Sign

Directional Wayfinding

Directional signage helps guide people from one place to another by providing clear instructions at decision points like junctions and intersections. These signs typically use arrows, path markers, or route indicators to streamline movement.

The Bristol Fingerpost Sign is a highly effective directional wayfinding solution. Its modular design allows finger arms to be adjusted at any angle, ensuring clear and flexible navigation for pedestrians in urban areas, nature trails, and commercial spaces.

Aberdeen Timber Lectern

Informational Wayfinding

Informational signage provides users with essential details about their surroundings, such as site rules, opening hours, or historical context. These signs enhance the visitor experience by delivering useful insights about a location.

The Aberdeen Timber Lectern is a refined solution for informational wayfinding. With its durable construction and interchangeable graphic panels, it is frequently used in heritage sites, parks, and museums to communicate important details while maintaining an elegant aesthetic.

Lisbon Monolith

Regulatory Wayfinding

Regulatory signage ensures safety and compliance by communicating rules, restrictions, and mandatory guidelines. These signs help control behaviour and prevent confusion in public and private spaces.

The Lisbon Monolith is a versatile regulatory sign designed for high visibility and clear messaging. Its uncluttered structure is ideal for displaying safety instructions, restricted area notices, or temporary event regulations in a professional and easily adaptable format.

Each type of wayfinding signage plays a crucial role in creating seamless navigation for users. By selecting the right solutions, organisations can improve accessibility, efficiency, and overall site experience.

Our completed signage projects

We take pride in delivering effective signage and wayfinding solutions that enhance navigation and improve visitor experiences. Here are some of our completed projects where our products played a key role.