Map Design for Complex Architecture: A User Study of Maps & Wayfinding

The following study seeks to determine if a printed, paper map can aid visitors in navigating through complex architectural environments. Specifically, we report on the design and testing of two different paper maps intended to help patients find dental clinics and related offices within a large medical and health sciences center. As part of an iterative design process, we first identified a variety of design factors that influence the cognitive aspects of using maps during wayfinding, and redesigned an existing map of the environment based on those principles. We then conducted user testing to further determine what information should be included or excluded on the map and to see if changes in format enhanced or detracted from communication goals. The results show that maps can indeed assist visitors in finding their way through complex buildings, but that there are limitations to their ability to overcome architectural barriers.INTRODUCTIONHealthcare facilities are often housed in complex, confusing, and difficult to navigate environments. Their spatial problems typically develop over time when existing units are renovated or relocated, or when new wings are built to contain advanced technology and new areas of practice. Unfortunately, given limitations of both time and budget, most medical centers build where they can, with little consideration of the most logical routes for public circulation. As a result, many healthcare facilities are decentralized and disorganized- adding wayfinding difficulties to the burden of patients who are already anxious, pressed for time, and physically impaired.Ideally the structure of a building itself should facilitate the movement of its occupants. Numerous studies have examined the architectural factors that can influence spatial legibility. Research has shown that wayfinding is facilitated when: locations are visually differentiated (an area or zone looks different from others); travelers can see views inside or outside the structure, including interior, exterior and global landmarks; the floor plan and spatial configuration are simple and regular; and there are fewer decision points and corridor intersections (Best, 1970; McKean, 1972; Passini, 1980; Weisman, 1981; Bronzaftand Dobrow, 1984; Peponis, Zimring and Choi, 1990).In addition to the architectural factors inherent in a built structure, directional signs and room numbers have been proven to help people find their way (Weisman, 1981). Researchers have determined that people made fewer wrong turns in settings with signage than in those without (O'Neill, 1991), and the presence of signs significantly reduced perceived crowding, discomfort, anger, and confusion amongst visitors to a correctional center (Wener and Kaminoff, 1983).However, signage alone has not been able to overcome the navigational problems caused by an illegible building (Arthur and Passini, 1992). Similarly, Carpman, Grant and Simmons (1984) found that in a specific hospital corridor, wayfinding performance decreased as the number of signs increased.Perhaps when signs are not enough, maps might be able to provide the necessary assistance to travelers. In a 1993 study by Wright, Hull and Lickorish, a paper sketch map was given to participants to supplement an inadequate signage system; this map was found to significantly reduce backtracking in a hospital setting. Additionally, maps have proven to be effective in other ways. Subjects who used a schematic map were able to find the most efficient routes to a destination (Bartram 1980), and handout maps in museums were able to successfully orientate visitors (Hayward and Brydon-Miller, 1984). Furthermore, people view maps as effective and desirable sources of information when traveling to new destinations (Devlin and Bernstein, 1995).There is significant evidence that maps are a unique mental aid to navigation. Numerous environmental and spatial cognition studies have examined how maps work in the mind, and it is generally accepted that maps can help people to create or develop a spatial mental model known as a "cognitive map. …