Moving through spaces like airports, hospitals, or educational campuses can be frustrating, especially when signage fails to guide visitors effectively. Enter Verifind—a cutting-edge wayfinding solution that harnesses biometric data, particularly eye-tracking technology, to improve navigation and optimize signage placement.

How Verifind Uses Eye-Tracking to Improve Navigation

Martha McRobb, Project Lead at Modulex, explains, “Verifind utilizes real-time data to enhance the user experience by identifying how people interact with their surroundings. We track eye movements to pinpoint which signs are effective and which ones may be causing confusion. This ensures that wayfinding solutions are tailored to human behaviour, not just theoretical design principles.”

Traditional wayfinding relies on intuition and static design principles, but Verifind introduces a dynamic, data-driven approach. By analyzing user behaviour and environmental conditions such as lighting and congestion, the system helps facility managers make informed decisions about signage placement and design. “We can identify confusion and adjust signage accordingly, making navigation more intuitive,” says McRobb.

The Real-World Impact of Data-Driven Signage

Ineffective wayfinding isn’t just an inconvenience; it has real consequences. In healthcare settings, delays in locating departments can impact patient outcomes, while in commercial environments, poor signage can lead to missed appointments and lost revenue. “If visitors can’t find where they need to go, it creates frustration and inefficiencies,” Martha notes. “For businesses, that can mean lost sales or dissatisfied customers. For hospitals, the stakes can be even higher.”

Verifind collects various data points, including user interactions, dwell times, and feedback from real users. The system can determine whether the information is clear or confusing by monitoring how long people focus on a particular sign. “If someone stares at a sign for five seconds and still makes the wrong decision, that tells us something isn’t working,” Martha explains. “It’s about making signage intuitive and reducing cognitive load.”

The Future of Wayfinding: AI and Predictive Navigation

Looking ahead, Verifind has the potential to integrate with AI and machine learning, allowing for predictive wayfinding solutions. Imagine a real-time navigation system that suggests alternative routes, much like traffic apps do for drivers. “AI can help us recognize patterns faster than a human could,” Martha says. “For instance, it could predict congestion points in a hospital corridor and suggest alternative paths before issues arise.”

Beyond traditional wayfinding, Verifind’s applications extend to architectural branding and visual communications. The technology can assess optimal branding placement, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. “Think of a large building beside a highway,” Martha suggests. “We can use eye-tracking data to determine the best location for signage based on where drivers naturally focus their attention.”

As Verifind continues to evolve, Modulex is working on integrating its insights with existing wayfinding platforms, such as Wayfindit. This would allow users to overlay Verifind data onto digital maps, creating a smooth, data-backed approach to navigation.

“With data-driven wayfinding, we’re not just guessing what works—we’re proving it,” Martha concludes. “That’s the future of navigation.”