Wayfinding Strategy

Abstract This paper presents the methodology, findings, and implications of a comprehensive VR-based usability study conducted at the new Wyndham Law Courts. Located in Melbourne's west, the facility serves one of Victoria's most culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Ahead of its opening, Humanics Collective led the design and testing of a wayfinding strategy to ensure the building would be intuitive and accessible for all users . In partnership with Deakin Motio

Some places just feel easy. You walk in and immediately understand where you are, where to go, and what to do. No searching. No second-guessing. No stress. That’s what we call an intuitive environment. It doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from deliberate choices that help people make sense of the space as they move through it. A Space You Can Read Urban planner Kevin Lynch called it legibility: the ability to form a clear mental image of a place. In a legible environment,

Great signage isn’t where wayfinding starts. And it definitely isn’t where it ends. A successful wayfinding strategy begins long before a single sign is designed. It starts with understanding how people move through a space, what they’re trying to do, and what might get in their way. It connects architecture, planning, user psychology, and operational needs to shape an environment that supports confident, intuitive movement from start to finish. At Humanics Collective, wayfin

Maps might seem outdated in a world of apps and GPS, but in complex places like hospitals , universities , or civic precincts , a well-designed map can be a lifeline. It’s more than just information, it provides orientation, reassurance, and a sense of control. That small dot ' You are here ' can anchor the entire experience. Why orientation matters Feeling disoriented increases anxiety. But when people can see where they are in relation to where they need to be, stress drops

Wayfinding isn’t just about putting up signs. It’s about making spaces legible so people can understand, move, and orient themselves with ease. Landmarks are central to this. They help us remember where we are, recognise decision points, and navigate with confidence. Often, they’re more intuitive and more effective than traditional signage. Why landmarks matter When we give directions, we use cues we remember, and that others may recognise or remember too. We say things like

At a busy campus, whether a hospital, airport, or university, people seek a service. Yet many campuses struggle to provide a coherent experience from entry to destination. Despite a shared sense of frustration, the root problem often goes unaddressed. Local fixes, like laminated signs, pop up as symptoms of a deeper service issue, where individual departments lack the remit or capability to take ownership of the full journey. Campuses are typically divided into spheres of ac

Hospitals are environments of immense emotional and physical intensity. Navigating these spaces can be a daunting experience, particularly for patients, visitors, and even staff. At Humanics, we understand that wayfinding is not just about signage; it is about creating a seamless and intuitive journey that reduces stress and improves the overall experience for everyone involved. Our mission is to enhance wayfinding experiences in hospitals worldwide, making them more navigabl

There are 603 parts in the LEGO model of my BMW Adventure motorbike. I know this because I've spent many wonderful hours constructing it. This miniature version of the bike type I actually ride, my full-size BMW R1250 GSA, isn’t just a toy. It’s a perfect reminder of what happens when every element is considered, tested, and designed to work together. The pistons move. The suspension flexes. Even the handlebars are made from 38 individual parts, each one contributing to a sys

Why architecture is the first wayfinding tool We have a bit of a love-hate relationship with architects. Not the people, most are brilliant. But when it comes to designing for movement, we often see the world a little differently. Architects deal with structure. With the beautiful chaos of column grids, air ducts, service trays, and regulatory compliance. Their world is concrete, steel, and light. Ours is perception, cognition, and behaviour. We look at a space and see decisi

Wayfinding is often described as the process of moving from one point to another, broken down into a series of decisions. But its impact goes far beyond that. How people find their way influences their confidence, comfort, experience, and even the operational and financial success of a place. When wayfinding is overlooked, inclusivity suffers, and so does everyone’s ability to use the space well. When navigating somewhere unfamiliar, our minds are often racing: “Should I go l

When designing a space, it’s crucial to view it from multiple perspectives to ensure it meets the needs of all users. However, it’s equally important that these perspectives are not considered in isolation. Instead, they should be integrated and balanced through collaborative efforts, bringing together environmental psychology (EP), wayfinding strategy, user experience (UX), and inclusive design. Environmental psychology provides insights into how people interact with spaces