The physical world is complex and yet most people navigate their way around it with ease. Wayfinding and signage greatly impacts how people engage with and experience indoor and outdoor spaces, and is important for architects, designers, and event organisers when planning projects. Designers find solutions to wayfinding and sign design while simultaneously reflecting and creating brand expressions.
This module will cover how to work with human behaviour, including the consequences of bad way finding systems. On a practical level students will undertake site visits, study the spaces to be handled, engage in ethnographic research, analyse visitor traffic, different visitor types and accessibility, learn how to apply readability, legibility and positioning for signs, locational, directional and directory signs. Students will plan and create signage and information design that allows a user the best experiences of outdoor events, buildings and exhibitions.
Through a series of workshops, students will learn to design effective wayfinding strategies, and receive guidance about issuing production information to manufacturers.
Private Study: 252
Contact Hours: 48
Total: 300
Main assessment methods
Portfolio (100%)
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Build and demonstrate competency and proficiency in identifying and designing wayfinding and design strategies relevant to a specific space
2 Innovatively apply hardware and software to challenge and enhance human navigational experience of space through experimentation aided by digital tools
3 Articulate a critical understanding of the professional limitations and opportunities offered by new and emerging materials and technologies relevant to wayfinding and signage design
4 Autonomously analyse and critique existing wayfinding systems.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 To identify and solve problems by employing creative thinking and be aware of the relevant craft skills to apply
2 Be self-critical of work in progress, responding to the critical insights of others and investigating and assessing alternative methods and techniques.
3 Prioritise tasks and work efficiently on a project over a period of time.
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