Simplifying Information For an Indoor Wayfinding System
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore how to simplify information in wayfinding systems through information design, with a focus on combining emergency evacuation procedures and an indoor wayfinding system. That focus differs from normal wayfinding system design. Qualitative research involving an heuristic methodology, observational method and literature review assisted this project to develop an approach to improve effective information transmission. The research developed this approach on how to simplify information using a series of designs such as outdoor wayfinding maps, floor plans of the navigational signage and digital ‘application’ design. The processing of simplifying the required information was divided into three steps. Firstly, for focus, redundant information needed to be reduced. The second part was to simplify and refine the information, and the third was to synthesise the information and optimise the data for use. In addition, this research considered the information transfer between the physical world and a virtual platform such as a smart phone. Thus, the QR code become a relevant tool because it can transfer real-world information into the digital world. An approach was developed for using graphics to simplify complex information to assist users to a more natural understanding of novel environments. Additionally, the approach of transmission information between the physical world and digital world was noted. These two approaches will help the designer to improve indoor wayfinding system design.