Wayfinding Is A High Value Digital Signage Solution

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Much of the time, we’re trying to get from point A to point B, and wayfinding technology is helping us do that more effectively. Wayfinding technology can be integrated into other AV solutions like digital signage, and it offers an unbeatable combination of interactivity and utility. People respond well to helpful technology, and wayfinding is one of the most helpful technologies out there. With it, users can map out their surroundings, determine where to go next and download step-by-step directions to get there. In short, wayfinding is the kind of digital signage solution that makes sense almost anywhere.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

How Can Wayfinding Be Used With A Digital Signage Solution?

Some buildings and campuses are too sprawling for easy navigation. In these areas, people are more likely to get lost, and when they do, they’ll start hunting for a map. What these people could really use is interactive digital signage that has wayfinding features built in. Digital signage is an ideal replacement for print maps or information kiosks because they’re vivid, frequently animated and interactive. They attract attention from a distance like a helpful beacon and can immediately point people in the right direction. Wayfinding, though, is more than just a map replacement. It can do that, but wayfinding software usually comes with additional features that provide extra assistance.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What Features Can Be Included With A Wayfinding System?

At its most basic, a wayfinding solution is an interactive map that users can navigate by. Wayfinding solutions don’t have to be basic, though, and may include additional features like:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Searchable Directories

Searchable directories allow users to quickly locate a specific point of interest, which could be a shop, a restaurant, a park – or just about anything else. Instead of scanning the entire map slowly, users can type in a few letters and instantly get the information they’re looking for.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Location Information

Some wayfinding solutions give users more than just a map pin to work with. They could, for instance, display a store’s hours or a venue’s upcoming events. Users will appreciate the added information.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

QR-Scannable Directions

Top wayfinding solutions are now including QR-scannable directions with their maps. Once a location is selected, the display outputs a QR code that a user can scan to receive step-by-step directions on their device.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Accessibility-Focused Directions

Some wayfinding software allows users to search for accessible routes only, which eliminates any routes that involve stairs or escalators.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

3D Maps And Routes

Some wayfinding can represent a route in 3D space, guiding the user from their perspective instead of from a bird’s eye view. This helps with more precise direction-giving and, as an added bonus, makes for an interesting user experience.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

What Are The Benefits Of Wayfinding Technology?

There’s a lot to like with wayfinding technology and not much downside to consider. Some of the benefits of wayfinding include:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Low Cost, High Value

Wayfinding software is fairly simple to set up and doesn’t cost that much, in general. Some high-quality wayfinding solutions require a modest investment, but given the considerable value of a wayfinding solution, the investment is worth it.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Keeping People Around Longer

Wayfinding prevents people from getting lost and looking for the exits. Instead of running for the door, those people will travel to where they are most likely to make a purchase.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Reducing Visitor Frustration

Few things are as frustrating as getting lost, and a frustrated customer is much less likely to purchase something. Wayfinding makes finding your way around easy, so in this way, it can boost your company’s sales.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]

Reinforcing Branding

Your wayfinding digital signage can also be used to deliver brand messaging and imagery. While users are plotting out their next move, your branding will be front and center.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Where Are Wayfinding Solutions Found?

Wayfinding technology is a valuable addition in a lot of settings - specifically settings where it’s easy for people to get lost. For example, you would likely find wayfinding via digital signage in:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

• Hotels
• Malls
• University campuses

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

• Business campuses
• Hospitals
• Sports stadiums

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]

• Airports
• Concert halls
• Government facilities

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]In these large, complicated areas, wayfinding is a good fit, and not just because of the utility it offers. It’s also a good fit because hotels, malls and the like already have digital signage in place. Adding wayfinding technology to digital signage is something a certified AV integrator can do quickly and without involving additional hardware.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A Certified AV Integrator Can Set Up Your Wayfinding Solution

Wayfinding isn’t the most difficult AV solution to implement and configure, but there are a lot of wayfinding solutions to choose from. They differ greatly in how easy they are to use and what features they provide. Some solutions offer multiple tiers of service, too, and the difference in price between them can be considerable. While searching for ideal wayfinding software, you’re likely to have questions. This is where a certified AV integrator can help. Experienced integrators are familiar with industry-leading wayfinding solutions, what they offer and what hardware setups they are most compatible with. An integrator can help organizations choose the best option for their needs and configure it so it works properly right away.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

There Are Plenty Of Reasons To Consider Wayfinding Solutions

Wayfinding is quick and inexpensive to set up if digital signage is already in use, and it boosts the customer experience and reinforces branding. It also eliminates the need for less effective options, like print maps or information centers. It’s not a surprise, then, that wayfinding is one of the most popular digital signage solutions organizations are looking for. Chances are, your organization could benefit from them as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]