When done correctly, the best wayfinding design works without visitors even noticing that it is there. It helps them navigate a space with ease and comfort, all the while giving them a greater sense of your brand. If you are looking to upgrade your wayfinding this year, read on for the five essential benefits of working with the best wayfinding design consultants in Dubai.
1. They know what they are doing.
First and foremost, the most significant benefit of working with wayfinding design consultants is that they know what they are doing! To design an effective yet appealing wayfinding system, you need to balance the art with the science. This is a challenging task for anyone who doesn't have previous experience. For this reason, you must hire consultants who have plenty of experience in this specific field.
To work, wayfinding design must be practical and usable. It must make it easier for guests to navigate the space, and it must seamlessly fit into the surrounding area. To create this type of environment, you may want to integrate touch-less interactivity, online journey mapping tools, and other interactive methods. That is to say, a blend of technological tools with well-thought-out design systems, and a clear understanding of each touchpoint's purpose.
When considering potential wayfinding design consultants to work with, ask them about how they utilize technology in their systems and what is their seamless environment philosophy.
2. They can help you stay on brand.
One of the most significant reasons you want to invest in wayfinding design consultants is because they will help ensure that your wayfinding system aligns with your branding. As with almost anything in business, your wayfinding design must be part of the created brand experience. In other words, from the moment that visitors step on your premises, you want to curate a pleasant and memorable experience.
Whether it is a hotel, hospital, or outdoor public space, it is vital that guests feel welcomed and safe. This is how you can reinforce trust and help visitors feel connected to the space and the brand. After all, if the space is challenging to navigate, visitors will not have good memories of their experience, no matter how excellent every other touchpoint.
Additionally, to align with your branding, the wayfinding design needs to represent your brand's colors, tone, and aesthetic. By working with wayfinding design consultants, you will be able to develop designs and systems that feel like a natural extension of your brand. Moreover, they also have the skills to balance these aesthetic desires with the practical requirements of a wayfinding design system.
3. They can help you design an omni-channel experience.
It is more important than ever to incorporate your wayfinding design into an omni-channel experience. This type of wayfinding system utilizes cellular and Bluetooth technology to inform visitors of their location, how to get where they want to go, and what to expect when they get there. This enables visitors to move around the space in a more informed way and to have a more fulfilling experience.
However, creating a seamless omnichannel wayfinding experience is challenging. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you opt to work with wayfinding design consultants who have expertise in this very area. By working with the professionals, you will be able to create a system that allows visitors to your space to engage in an entirely experiential way.
The best wayfinding design consultants know how to combine their knowledge of urban planning, architecture, human psychology, and wayfinding to develop tangible and intangible signals and markets for the visitor. These signals are part of the overall integrated approach, ensuring a coordinated experience.
4. They are ahead of the trends.
Another benefit of working with top wayfinding design consultants is that they are ahead of the curve when it comes to industry trends. Not only that, but they are better equipped to ascertain what is a lasting trend and what is a short-term fad. By working with these consultants, you will be in a better position to make wayfinding design decisions that are effective for years to come.
For example, there is a growing movement to utilize sustainable materials when it comes to wayfinding signage. This is a result of consumers' growing desire for more sustainable solutions across the board. Therefore, you want to be designing wayfinding signage from durable, sustainable materials that produce little to no waste. Accordingly, an upcoming trend is biophilic design that prioritizes utilizing the natural environment in design plans.
Another trend includes utilizing wayfinding kiosks that can operate as information centers for visitors. These are especially effective in bigger spaces, such as shopping malls, hotels, and sports arenas. Not only do these wayfinding kiosks locate guests within the space, but they also provide other relevant information such as floor maps, staff directories, and the location of amenities.
5. They have a range of expertise.
At the end of the day, you want to hire well-qualified wayfinding design consultants for your wayfinding project because they are highly knowledgeable and can offer a range of expertise. In addition to the benefits listed above, you also may want to find a company that can provide mapping services.
This type of project is a way to subjectively communicate what is located in an area – no matter how large. Unfortunately, the major mapping sites don't provide all the details and intricacies, which is why it is beneficial to work with a company that produces tailor-made maps. This is a surefire way of ensuring that your space's mapping services are expertly designed.
Additionally, make sure that any wayfinding design consultants you choose to work with have a portfolio with projects that are similar to your own. Also, the style of work they do must correlate with what you are looking for. The last thing you want is to work with consultants who have a different vision for the space than you.
Are you looking to improve your wayfinding design system? Have you thought about using wayfinding design consultants? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts and any relevant experiences in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Zak Zakaria is a Waymaker at dezigntechnic in Dubai who also previously worked as the company's Graphic Designer and Art Director. Zak is a creative with work experience in multiple multinational agencies such as JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi. Signage design is a family business, making Zak's personal experience with signage his longest professional commitment.
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