{"id":8938,"date":"2026-02-05T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/?p=8938"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:14:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:14:00","slug":"what-is-wayfinding-wayfinding-design-and-wayfinding-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/what-is-wayfinding-wayfinding-design-and-wayfinding-system\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Wayfinding, Wayfinding Design and Wayfinding System?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The terms <em>Wayfinding<\/em>, <em>Wayfinding design<\/em> and <em>Wayfinding system<\/em> are often used synonymously. Sin embargo, aunque hacen referencia a la relaci\u00f3n l\u00f3gica entre los distintos niveles de un mismo proceso, no son lo mismo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In a signage project, differentiating between these three concepts helps to <strong>understand what orientation problems exist, to define the scope of the integrated system and with which tools to solve them. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A key distinction for understanding and differentiating concepts<\/strong>  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">In their work, Arthur &amp; Passini already warned of the confusion between <em>signage<\/em> and <em>wayfinding.<\/em> Una forma clara y sintetizada de interpretar su planteamiento es definir los tres conceptos relacionados de la siguiente manera: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wayfinding: is a human activity (Passini, 1977).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wayfinding design: is a discipline (Arthur &amp; Passini, 1992, 1996).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wayfinding system<\/strong>: is the set of tools and interventions<em>(Arthur &amp; Passini in 1992<\/em>).  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If we place these concepts within the complete orientation process, we can say that <em>Wayfinding<\/em> is the spatial problem solving activity (what people do), <em>Wayfinding Design<\/em> is the strategy designed by professionals to facilitate that activity, and the <em>Wayfinding system<\/em> is what is finally implemented in space.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wayfinding: human activity<\/strong>  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The concept of <em>Wayfinding<\/em> was developed in the late 1970s by R. Passini. Passini ampl\u00eda y redefine el concepto de \u201corientaci\u00f3n espacial\u201d, enmarc\u00e1ndolo dentro de un proceso cognitivo m\u00e1s amplio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Arthur and Passini, <strong> <em>Wayfinding<\/em> is defined as spatial problem solving<\/strong>, comprising three mental processes: information processing, decision making and decision execution. Es lo que ocurre en nuestra mente cuando interactuamos con el espacio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we walk through a place, known or unknown, three basic questions are triggered almost automatically:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Where am I?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Where do I want to go?  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can I get there?  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearing these unknowns is what is known as <em>Wayfinding<\/em>, and comprises the set of mental and physical actions that we perform when:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>we are located,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>we make decisions,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>we confirm that we are doing well,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and correct if something goes wrong.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Wayfinding occurs in the user&#8217;s mind, not in the signal.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wayfinding Design: the discipline<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The purpose of <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wayfinding-design\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wayfinding-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Wayfinding Design<\/strong><\/a><\/em> is to <strong>design paths that facilitate spatial problem solving <\/strong>by analyzing people&#8217;s needs, planning their behavior and designing solutions<strong> <\/strong>adapted to their capacity of understanding, as well as designing effective tools to support them during decision making.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arthur &amp; Passini introduce this concept to refer to professional work that designs environments that are understandable to all people who walk through them, taking into account how they orient themselves and make decisions in space.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong> <em>Wayfinding design<\/em> is a discipline that, in turn, integrates many other<\/strong> heterogeneous <strong>disciplines<\/strong>, such as graphic design, engineering, architecture, urban planning, interior design or industrial design.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the specific experience of each discipline, the wayfinding system is built through different phases, working in a coordinated way, where each discipline makes its contribution in symbiosis with the rest. This stage is critical for the user&#8217;s orientation experience to be clear, fluid and complete.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>You don&#8217;t design signals, you design decisions.  <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Wayfinding System: the system<\/strong> <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:15px\">The <em>wayfinding system<\/em> is the perceptible result of the design process.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Arthur &amp; Passini use this term to describe the coordinated set of tools and interventions that are implemented in the environment to support guidance.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A wayfinding system may include:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>directional, identification and normative signs,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consistent nomenclature and numbering,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maps and diagrams &#8220;you are here&#8221;,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>color codes and zoning,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>space landmarks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accessibility solutions,  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>and, nowadays, also digital layers when they add value.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" src=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Familia-Wayfinding-1-1024x461.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8925\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Familia-Wayfinding-1-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Familia-Wayfinding-1-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Familia-Wayfinding-1-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Familia-Wayfinding-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wayfinding Sistem of a tourist signage project.  <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>The key is not each individual element. An isolated sign does not constitute by itself an integral signaling system if it is not part of an overall guidance strategy.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:52px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Placing signs alone does not create a comprehensive guidance system.  <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>In complex buildings, the <em>wayfinding design<\/em> and <em>wayfinding system<\/em> are interdependent parts that work together to ensure that a person can successfully complete the journey to their destination. Facilitar la actividad de <em>Wayfinding<\/em> tiene ventajas funcionales: autonom\u00eda, reducci\u00f3n del estr\u00e9s y mejora de la experiencia de uso del espacio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to being an essential public service in environments such as hospitals, its economic and operational impact is also significant.  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:18px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">Latest blog entries<\/h5>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts has-background has-white-background-color\"><li><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__featured-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/M.Prado-Educacion-3-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" \/><\/div><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/strategic-wayfinding-project-museo-del-prado-madrid\/\">Strategic Wayfinding Project | Museo del Prado, Madrid<\/a><\/li>\n<li><div class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__featured-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Hospital-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"\" \/><\/div><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/humanization-of-spaces-in-hospital-architecturehumanizacion-de-espacios-en-la-arquitectura-hospitalaria\/\">Humanization of spaces in hospital architectureHumanizaci\u00f3n de espacios en la arquitectura 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Sin embargo, aunque hacen referencia a la relaci\u00f3n l\u00f3gica entre los distintos niveles de un mismo proceso, no son lo mismo. In a signage project, differentiating between these three concepts helps to understand what orientation problems exist, to define the scope of the&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_theme","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[238,241],"tags":[242,243],"class_list":["post-8938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-signage","category-wayfinding-design","tag-wayfinding","tag-wayfinding-design","category-238","category-241","description-off"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Recorrido-unico-de-cada-usuario_Wayfinding-de-Signes.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8938"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9098,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8938\/revisions\/9098"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8695"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.signes.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}