An Examination in Wayfinding Design as a Means of Communication

Abstract

This study aims to research the proper use and necessity of wayfinding design, an essential application area of visual communication, by evaluating the experiences of students studying at the Faculty of Communication Sciences at Anadolu University regarding the indoor wayfinding designs. The study analyzes students' past experiences with wayfinding design, their overall assessments, and their views on campus wayfinding designs. The research is designed as a case study, one of the qualitative research methods. The data was collected through interviews conducted with first-and fourth-year students studying in various departments-Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Communication Design and Management, Cinema and Television-at Anadolu University Faculty of Communication Sciences during the 2023-2024 autumn semester. The findings were then described and interpreted using thematic analysis. The results reveal that students evaluate wayfinding designs based on their clarity, consistency, and user-centeredness. Students emphasized the importance of wayfinding designs being user-friendly and comprehensible. In addition, students also made suggestions regarding the wayfinding design of the environment they experience daily. The findings reveal the critical role of wayfinding design in spatial communication and its potential to enhance user experience.