Hierarchical Wayfinding: From strategy to execution
Have you ever walked into a massive building—maybe a hospital with departments or a multi-story hotel—and immediately felt lost? That’s where a hierarchical wayfinding strategy comes to the rescue. It’s like having a friend gently nudge you in the right direction at every turn. This approach is perfect for spaces with either multiple floors (think hotels) or functionally grouped environments (think hospitals with departments and functions).
In summary, a hierarchical strategy typically suits:
1. Multi-Story Buildings
Hotels, office buildings, and residential complexes where navigation across floors is crucial.
2. Functionally Grouped Spaces:
Hospitals with departments (like radiology, pediatrics, or surgery) or campuses with distinct zones like libraries, lecture halls, and labs.
Let’s talk about how it works and why it’s a total game-changer.
So, What’s a Hierarchical Strategy?
Think of it as a pyramid of information. The big, important stuff goes at the top, and the finer details trickle down as you get closer to your destination. This way, people aren’t bombarded with too much information all at once. Instead, they’re guided smoothly from A to B (or Z) without breaking a sweat. In the wayfinding world we call that ‘progressive disclosure’.
The Destination Schedule: Your Master Plan
At the heart of a great hierarchical strategy is a destination schedule. It’s your cheat sheet for deciding what goes on each sign and when to share it. Here’s how to build one:
Excel is great for this. Your left column can be your ‘primary destinations’. The next column is ‘secondary’ destinations, which are ‘under’ the primary. And so on. We’ve never seen more than 3 layers on a destination schedule, so if you have more than that, you might be overcooking things. Here’s a breakdown of the layers:
Start with the Big Picture:
What’s the first thing people need to see when they walk in? Think reception, maps, or major zones.
Zoom in on the Details:
Once people are in a specific area, what do they need next? Restrooms, elevators, specific room numbers?
Plan for Exits:
Leaving is just as important as arriving. Make it easy to find stairs or elevators to get back to ground level.