In today’s quickly changing world, creating effective wayfinding systems requires understanding the diverse needs of multiple generations. Robert Canak, Managing Partner of the Modulex office in Croatia, shares his insights on the unique challenges and considerations in designing wayfinding systems for a multi-generational audience.
Addressing Diverse Preferences and Challenges
Developing signage systems for different generations can indeed be challenging. Each generation has unique preferences, experiences, and expectations when it comes to signage. Robert notes, “Senior people may have difficulty reading due to poorer colour contrast, glare, or smaller text. Moreover, older users may not be as tech-savvy, so complex user interfaces on interactive signs should be avoided. A more practical look and feel is more favourable.”
To address these diverse needs, Robert pays close attention to colour and ensures that the language used is clear and concise. “I pay close attention to colour, and I like to use clear and concise language, larger text, and simple and easy-to-understand pictograms to make it ‘Boomer friendly.’ But then when I start organizing the information, I do it in a contemporary way to appeal to younger generations,” Robert explains.
Essential Considerations in Wayfinding
The essential considerations in creating intuitive and inclusive wayfinding experiences include clear language, appropriate colour contrasts, larger text, and simple pictograms. However, wayfinding is more comprehensive than signs. Wayfinding strategists have many tools at their disposal, “We can place a framed painting at the intersection of two corridors in a hospital to make that intersection more familiar to users. The same goes for sculptures, wall colour, and lighting – these are all building blocks of our mental maps of spaces; we do not perceive them as such,” he says. These elements are all building blocks of our mental maps of spaces, even if we don’t always perceive them as such.
Generally speaking, cognitive ability tends to decline with age. As wayfinding strategists, Robert and his team must consider abilities such as working memory (short-term memory), processing speed, attention, and spatial ability. Understanding these variations helps them design systems that accommodate the needs of all users, ensuring that everyone can navigate spaces comfortably and confidently.
Accessibility is paramount in wayfinding design. It ensures that everyone can easily navigate a space regardless of age or ability. This includes considering physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, and sensory limitations. Accessible design often includes tactile indicators, audible cues, and easily understandable visual information.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Methods
Ensuring that wayfinding solutions are intuitive and easy to use for individuals with varying levels of experience with technology is very important. Older individuals may need to be more tech-savvy, which presents a challenge in adopting new technologies. Therefore, Robert focuses on making wayfinding solutions as intuitive as possible. This involves using clear and concise instructions and simple interfaces and ensuring that digital elements are straightforward. The goal is to create a straightforward experience that doesn’t require extensive technological know-how.
About Robert Canak
Robert Canak is the Managing Partner at Modulex’s office in Croatia, bringing over 17 years of professional experience to the team. Specializing in wayfinding strategy and sign design, Robert makes environments more legible and improves user experiences by addressing navigational challenges within built environments. His expertise extends to pictogram suite development, cartography, sign master planning, and the creation of detailed guidelines. Robert’s ability to conduct thorough audits of existing signage project drawings further solidifies his role as an important figure in enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of built spaces for Modulex’s clients.
