The skill and its purpose
A wayfinding journey starts with the person’s actual origin, destination and choices. A sign can fail even when its wording is correct if people encounter it after the turn or cannot see it from the relevant approach. Mapping decision points keeps placement connected to a real navigation task. The map is a planning record rather than proof that a building or route meets every access requirement.
Work through the decision
Identify arrivals, entrances, destinations and the alternative routes people actually use. Mark the places where a visitor must choose a direction, then note sightlines, existing naming and changes in level or access. Put information before the decision where practical and preserve consistent destination terms along the route. Ask the site owner and appropriate reviewers to confirm current routes and constraints before installation.
Practical exercise — fictional
A fictional conference has two entrances and a registration desk beyond a corridor junction. Sketch each arrival-to-registration journey. Mark where a first-time visitor must choose a direction and compare a sign before the junction with one after it. Record the unconfirmed accessible route as a question for the site owner rather than selecting it from the drawing alone.
Take it to the next job
- Map origins, destinations and decisions.
- Use consistent destination names.
- Confirm current route and access constraints.
- Review placement from the actual approaches.
Try the decision
The exercise stays in this session unless you choose to save it.
