Perceiving the EnvelopeBy Luis Mauricio

ProblemNavigation and spatial orientation within the Creative Arts building at San Francisco State University is difficult for inexperienced users.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate the orientation and navigation problems for users of the Creative Arts building and develop an appropriate solution.

AssumptionWayfinding improvements within the Creative Arts building will be immediately beneficial to all target audiences.

HypothesesIt was hypothesized that the availability of floor plan maps at each entrance and major intersection would improve wayfinding within the Creative Arts building.

Client Motives 1. Keep students from getting lost. 2. Conform with University Plant Guidelines. 3. Require minimal start-up and maintenance cost (less than $100). 4. Can be modified, maintained in-house. 5. Does not require any modifications to the “fabric” of the building. 6. Does not require any changes to stock signage program.

Data Collection & Analysis 1. Heuristic Evaluation 2. Research Topics 3. Research Methods

Research FindingsWayfinding is the underlying problem.

What is wayfinding?Wayfinding (the process of determining a path or route between an origin or destination)

is a new term for old concept. The idea is spatial problem solving.

Includes three separate but interrelated processes:

* Decision making * Decision execution * Information processing

Video Presentationhttp://flickr.com/photos/luismauricio/2494025196/

scanningrecognitionperceptioncognition

Successful wayfinding allows people to: * determine their location within the setting * determine that their destination is within the setting, and * form a plan of action that will take them from their location to their destination.

Solution

Design Parameters * Time and budget constraints * Image and branding goals * Formal and thematic context(s) of the site(s) * User profiles * Physical characteristics of the site itself * Circulation pathways and decision points * Applicable codes affecting signage * Decision making and client contact proposals * Whether the client hates the color blue

Design Features 1. Conforms with University Plant Guidelines. 2. Provides a recognizable and intuitive wayfinding system. 3. Allows users to create their own cognitive map. 4. Modular signage program adapts to user wayfinding needs and demands. 5. Adaptable to existing building environment. 6. Material costs are relatively low. 7. Accommodates material, color, and theming options. 8. Harmonious with existing Innerface stock signage program.

Typeface & Symbol OptionsFrutiger Roman, Frutiger Bold AIGA DOT Symbol Library

ColorBlack and White background and text or single solid background color with black or white text.

PlacementWithin existing display cases at eye level zone 3’ to 6’-8”

Presentation Summary

Key Client MotiveKeep students from getting lost.

Research AnalysisThe underlying problem is wayfinding.

Key FeatureProvides a recognizable wayfinding system.

The SolutionAllows users to complete the wayfinding process of getting where they want to go.

THE END. Thank You