Wayfinding at the University of Sydney

Directional and Identification signs are planned to provide progressive delivery of information from approach roads to a specific destination.

The journey that starts at the proximity of the University and terminates at a specific room takes the name of wayfinding.

The challenge of wayfinding is to give the information as the journey progresses to avoid overload of information. For this reason, a hierarchy of destinations and signs is implemented.

Wayfinding strategy, Identification and Directional signs

• Find a destination
• Threshold sign
• External directional sign
• Internal sign

The most effective way to locate a specific place within the University it is to identify the following information:

Identification signs provide this key information. Directional signs provide progressive ‘point to point navigation’ to get from the Campus entrance to the building, and from the building to the room.

• Identify proximity to University
• Identify threshold points and clearly define the entrances
• Provide University maps in proximity of entry points, especially for pedestrians
• Identify major path of travel for pedestrian and vehicles
• Create a hierarchy of destination
• Provide a hierarchy of directional signs
  - Locate main directional signs at key decision points
  - Locate secondary directional signs at turn-offs points
• Provide street names signs, especially for vehicular circulation
• Identify all buildings and places
• Identity buildings by their name and code only.
• Within the building, identify levels and rooms. Identify activities or tenancies if appropriate.
• Information on activities and functions within a building to be provided only inside the building.
• Within the building provide directional signs
• Ensure signs are consistent in form, colour, materials, typography, location and vocabulary of message.