The Baldwin Wallace University Ritter Library Wayfinding system enhances the library's navigation through an IRB-approved research process and strategic implementation. The project addresses challenges such as floor naming and visual consistency. A complete wayfinding strategy features distinct colors from the Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) and the University's brand kit for each floor—orange for the main, blue for the top, green for the ground, and brown for the entry area.
Redevelopment of fire maps, directories, and room identity signage such as the student lounge, quiet study, classrooms, study rooms, and tutoring spaces boost identification and navigation by creating over two dozen custom icons, preventing cognitive overload within Adobe Illustrator.
Alongside the signage, the development of a kiosk further implements wayfinding, allowing users to schedule a tutoring session appointment, book a study room, meet with a librarian, view the library catalog of print and ebooks, and locate spaces within the library. Utilizing Bootstrap, a website documents the library's progression from IRB Testing to final installations.
User testing throughout the project sparks ideas and changes to improve the wayfinding of each floor. A series of signage mockups and eye-tracking glasses are utilized to see if the color coding, custom icons, sizing, and signage placement within the space are practical before final versions are approved and installed by University Relations.
