Wayfinding System Design

Designing an intuitive, information-driven wayfinding system that helps visitors effortlessly navigate the property using interactive maps and directories. Guiding users to their desired locations while optimizing their overall experience.

Tool
Figma

Client
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

My Role
UI/UX Design

Duration
4-months

Human working memory retains navigation instructions is limited to roughly 15-30 seconds

- Cognitive Load Theory, John Sweller 1988

Pain points

Ephemeral Guidance and Cognitive Overload

Visitors lose critical navigation cues moments after leaving kiosks, forcing them to either retrace steps or seek assistance. Meanwhile, traditional static maps bombard users with excessive information, making route-finding mentally taxing rather than intuitive.

Accessibility Exclusion

Current systems lack multimodal support (voice, high-contrast, multilingual options), creating barriers for diverse user groups.

Target Audiences

Impromptu Explorers

    • Spontaneous visitors who prioritize discovery over efficiency

    • Often have flexible schedules (tourists, leisure seekers, creatives)

    • Serendipitous discovery tools that:

      • Highlight unique events

      • Suggest thematic routes (e.g., "Art Walk", "Hidden Gems")

    • Time-flexible planning:

      • "If you have 30/60/90 min" itinerary generators

      • Pause-and-resume navigation

    • Immersion-building features:

      • Augmented reality overlays with historical/artistic context

      • Gamified exploration (reward points for visiting zones)

Sniper Navigators

    • Goal-oriented professionals (business travelers, commuters)

    • Exhibit "tunnel vision" navigation patterns

    • Value speed and precision over exploration

    • Hyper-efficient routing:

      • 1-click access to frequent destinations (restrooms, gates, exits)

      • Real-time congestion avoidance

    • Just-in-time information:

      • Dynamic ETAs accounting for walking speed

      • On-demand details (e.g., "Is this restroom wheelchair accessible?")

    • Error prevention:

      • Clear distinction between similar-sounding locations

      • "You are here" reliability indicators

Browsers

    • Decision-ambivalent visitors

    • Use "satisficing" behavior (first adequate option)

    • Vulnerable to choice paralysis

    • Comparative decision tools:

      • Side-by-side venue comparisons (ratings, wait times)

      • "Best match" algorithms based on stated preferences

    • Progressive filtering:

      • Dynamic category toggles

    • Social validation:

      • Crowd-sourced popularity heatmaps

      • Recent visitor check-ins/comments

Accessible Wayfinding Design Framework

This universally inclusive navigation system prioritizes accessibility through ergonomic, multimodal, and adaptive design to serve users of all abilities.

✅ Ergonomic Placement

  • Interactive elements positioned within 0.7m–1.2m for wheelchair users and children

✅ Multimodal Interaction

  • Auditory (voice guidance) input/output

  • Hands-free & motion-tolerant controls

Key Features

Simplified Navigation

  • Clear, icon-driven UI with minimal text to overcome language barriers

  • Color-coded zones and logical numbering for quick orientation

Intuitive Interaction

  • Touchscreen kiosks with responsive, large-tap targets

  • Real-time path visualization with step-by-step directions

Global Accessibility

  • Universal symbols and visual cues for cross-cultural usability

  • QR code for phone accessibility

Navigate with Ease

Navigate with Ease