Utilizing large-format graphics in public spaces—including under-signed areas such as parking garages—to supplement wayfinding, can significantly improve the visitor experience.

Why Wayfinding is Important

Medical facilities are often large and complex structures, with multiple buildings, and parking areas. Navigating such a space can be overwhelming for patients and visitors, especially those who are under stress. Without proper wayfinding signage, patients may get lost, arrive late for appointments, and cause delays in the hospital workflow. This can lead to patient and staff dissatisfaction and even financial losses for the hospital.

While attention is typically paid to wayfinding within a facility it is often an afterthought in areas surrounding the property.

The Hidden Cost of Inefficient Wayfinding

Inefficient wayfinding can have a significant impact on a hospital’s finances. According to an analysis at Emory University, wayfinding was costing the institution more than $200,000 every year. This cost is due to patients arriving late for appointments, causing staff to wait idly and back up the schedule. In addition, patients wandering through hospital corridors and asking for directions take up the valuable time of healthcare workers.

What if, from the time a visitor enters the boundaries of your property, they are able to orient and navigate? What if they could see maps, encounter graphics that serve as landmarks, and  access helpful information, not just when they enter a building, but from the moment they leave their vehicle?

The Benefits of Wayfinding Signage and Large-Format Graphics

Wayfinding signage, supplemented with the design-rich options possible with large-format graphics, can greatly improve the patient experience.

  1. Stress Reduction: Wayfinding signage and large-format graphics can help reduce stress for patients and visitors by providing clear and concise directions to their destination and visual graphical landmarks.
  2. Time-Saving: Wayfinding signage, used in tandem with thoughtful wall and floor graphics help patients and visitors quickly find their way to their destination, reducing the need to ask for directions and saving time for both the patient and staff.
  3. Cost Effective: Well-designed wayfinding is a cost-effective solution to reduce patient late arrivals and missed appointments. It can also free staff from time spent providing directions and information.
  4. Branding: Large format graphics provide a branding opportunity for the facility. By using a consistent design and branding across all signage, hospitals can create a cohesive and professional image, even when facility cover many buildings and locations.

Combining large-format graphics into your wayfinding system is a powerful way to enhance the visitor experience in your facility. By doing so, hospitals can reduce stress for patients and visitors, save time and money, and create a professional and cohesive image.