Exploring the Art of Wayfinding

Emily Badger explores the art of environmental graphic design, or wayfinding, and what it takes to strike the right balance between intuitive navigation and individual discovery.

1 minute read

February 1, 2012, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Badger makes a distinction between intuitive older European cities and complex contemporary cities that require guidance to navigate, and the often subconscious ways in which wayfinding should operate on the latter.

"Architectural signage and wayfinding isn't about building a nicely designed sign," says Sue Labouvie, one such expert whom we tapped to explain the science of helping us find our way in the city. "It's about the information content and the analysis of the space or place that you're trying to move people through, and coming up with a strategy of how you make this big complex thing simple and understandable to the user."

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in The Atlantic Cities

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

Red San Diego Trolley light rail train at station with passengers walking on platform and Spanish-style dome building in background.

San Diego Trolley Nation’s Most Popular Light Rail

The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.

1 minute ago - Axios

Aerial view of San Jose, California downtown at night.

San Jose Affordable Housing Development Gains Approval

A proposed project is moving forward with reduced building heights and all-affordable units.

1 hour ago - The Mercury News

Green painted bike lane protected by rown of parking.

Oklahoma City Begins Work on Parking-Protected Bike Lane

The project is part of the city’s broader plan to improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure and road safety.

2 hours ago - The Oklahoman

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.