Propmodo Technology

By Travis Barrington · Feb. 15, 2024

Greetings!

For building owners and property managers, advancements in wayfinding technology and digital signage are revolutionizing engagement with tenants and visitors. These innovations go beyond improving user experience; they are essential for creating spaces that are smart, efficient, and responsive to the daily needs of users. By embedding wayfinding as a critical element of design from the start, properties can enhance the visitor experience and incorporate their brand identity and aesthetic values.

Beyond the visual aspects of wayfinding, this week Propmodo Technology examines how retail is embracing digital signage for navigation and personalized advertising through facial detection. The technology aims to boost customer engagement but also raises privacy questions. We’re also highlighting the growth and potential of mapping indoor spaces. Advances in digital mapping and indoor positioning are streamlining wayfinding and changing how we interact with our built environment.

Now, let's dive in!

Crafting Artful Journeys Through Effective Wayfinding

In commercial property, wayfinding often ends up being a last-minute addition, rather than an integral part of the design and construction. This oversight limits the full potential of wayfinding systems and misses out on a golden opportunity to enhance functionality, branding, and aesthetics. By rethinking wayfinding from the ground up, it becomes not just a necessity but a strategic asset that can significantly improve the visitor experience, reinforce brand identity, and incorporate technology thoughtfully.

Initiating wayfinding system design early is essential for ensuring it complements the property's design, whether it is new construction or a renovation. Despite the higher upfront cost, custom wayfinding solutions offer significant benefits. They not only make it easier for occupants to navigate the space but also boost its visual appeal and strengthen the brand of both the building’s owners and its tenants. This enhancement can lead to better leasing opportunities and support the space's specific functions.

Effective wayfinding extends beyond mere signage. Employing the building's inherent design elements, such as unique floor patterns, color schemes, or lighting, can naturally guide visitors, minimizing the reliance on explicit signs. Color choices, fonts, and materials should be carefully matched to the space's distinct style. With all of the options available, it doesn’t make sense to install the same digital signage in a modern building as a historic building. Each property requires a unique design solution. Unfortunately, many property managers still rely on off-the-shelf signage and wayfinding fixtures, which fail to respect the building's individual character.

There are several straightforward methods to introduce customization and creativity into your wayfinding strategy, including the use of unique names that resonate with a brand or local culture for meeting rooms and common areas. This approach helps in creating a more engaging and memorable setting. Consider the impact of inviting colleagues to "Union Square" rather than "Conference Room C." Additionally, incorporating intuitive graphics, such as WiFi symbols, should not be underestimated.

Visuals and color schemes also play a crucial role in making the office more navigable and lively. Using familiar icons and color coding can guide visitors effortlessly while boosting the mood and productivity of the space. For remote workers, transitioning to interactive digital maps can simplify navigation, making their infrequent visits seamless and inclusive. This approach not only brightens up the office but also strengthens a sense of community and cohesion among all employees.

Relying on digital displays instead of just printed or fixed wayfinding allows for more design flexibility. Digital displays can adapt their output and brightness to match the environment's specific needs, ensuring that technological elements are not only useful but also in harmony with the space's ambiance. This thoughtful approach allows for a seamless blend of technology and design, enhancing functionality without overwhelming the sensory experience of the space.

Finally, feedback mechanisms are essential for refining wayfinding strategies. Sensors can provide usage data to see how people are, or aren’t, able to find their destinations. Engaging with users to gather insights allows for continuous improvement, making wayfinding a dynamic and responsive feature of the building.

By thoughtfully considering these design strategies, property owners and managers can elevate their wayfinding systems from mere functional necessities to integral components of the building's overall experience. This approach not only simplifies navigation but will also boost the property's appeal, integrating storytelling and brand elements into the spatial narrative. Such a cohesive approach can create a welcoming and memorable environment that resonates with occupants and visitors alike, reinforcing the property’s identity and values.

More Propmodo Technology

Are You Enjoying This Newsletter?

Propmodo Technology is written and edited by Franco Faraudo and Travis Barrington with contributions from readers like you and the Propmodo team.

📧 Forward it to a friend and suggest they check it out.

🔗 Share a link to this post on social media.

🗣 Have ideas for future topics (or just want to say hello)? Share your feedback and tips at [email protected] or connect with us on X through @propmodo.

✅ Not subscribed yet? Sign up for this newsletter here.

📫️ Please add our newsletter email, [email protected], to your contacts to make sure you don’t miss any updates.