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The science and psychology of wayfinding
Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal,
11
(2),
138-142
(2017)
Abstract
The science and psychology of wayfinding explains how understanding human behaviour enables designers to create better, more effective wayfinding systems. This paper describes how wayfinding is a dynamic process, the outcome of which is based on decision-making that can be affected by cognitive loads, emotions and individual experience. It explains the processes by which people think and behave when navigating and how designers must undertake user research when briefed to develop systems that respond to people’s needs. The conclusion is that clients can only achieve their objectives when users are an intrinsic part of the design process.
Keywords: wayfinding; users; human-behaviour; user-research; psychology; design
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
David Watts is Managing Director of CCD, the international human factors and design consultancy. He has over 25 years of practice as a Human Factors and design consultant. David speaks regularly on user-centred design and has delivered projects across sectors including rail, O&G, airports, utilities and the emergency services. He has worked with clients such as Tate St Ives, Network Rail, Siemens, easyJet, WSP, National Express, TfL and HS2.
