A Look at Airport Wayfinding Approach and Logic

Author: Evans Consoles

If you seek to develop the best signage and wayfindingmasterplan, it is important to understand the airport’s functional relationships and circulation. The development of a masterplan involves various steps such as circulation and site analysis, wayfinding approach and logic approach, and discovering elements that drive the design and development of a comprehensive airport wayfinding signage program. In this blog, we look at wayfinding approach and logic.

Wayfinding Approach and Logic Wayfinding Approach

Wayfinding approach as part of the best airport solution is influenced by the site and circulation analysis and pertains to the guiding principles that inform a framework to deal with wayfinding issues to attain the operational and functional goals your airport wayfinding sign program. The primary objective of the program is to enhance the experiences of all travelers and promote the efficient and safe utilization of facilities at the airport. Every sequence and customer type is addressed as a component in one flexible and comprehensive system.

Wayfinding Logic

Wayfinding Logic pertains to the relationship existing between an airport’s physical layout and the circulation patterns followed by travelers. The discovery of this logic defines the decision points and pathways that demand information to be communicated to the traveler. Airport wayfinding signs must be designed in such a way that they assist the traveler in their logical decision-making process. This is achieved through embodying the principles of continuity, consistency, and connectivity, and communicating verbally, virtually, and visually.

Roadways

In the spirit of supporting user logical decision-making, roadway signage should promote efficient and safe navigation of the entire airport. This covers lane assignment to motorists at appropriate points in their sequence. The design should present information in a sequential manner and seek to eliminate last minute and multiple lane changes. You must also make sure that motorists are not overwhelmed by the way the information is presented.

Garages

In support of logical decision-making, airport wayfinding signs to and within garages ought to promote safe and efficient utilization of airport facilities. The information that is provided to motorists should be enough to help them make parking choices without necessarily overwhelming them with competing information.

Curbsides

This type of wayfinding signs are meant to facilitate safe and efficient circulation of pedestrians, vehicles and commercial traffic. The information provided should help drivers and passengers locate terminals, connect, and locate ground transport options.

Terminals

Gates to terminals are every traveler’s starting point or destination, which makes terminal wayfinding signage extremely important. The signage aids logical decision-making for departing and arriving travelers. The information is supposed to be provided at the right times, at the right places, and in the correct amounts and formats.