When most people think about digital signage, they tend to think of it as simply a marketing device. While this may be one of the most common applications for digital signage, it is really only scratching the surface of what can be done. Recently, there has been a rise in the popularity of using digital signage as a wayfinding solution. Using digital wayfinding instead of the older static wayfinding systems can offer some serious benefits to the location and the visitor/consumer.
When we talk about wayfinding, we are referring to using something for the purposes of orienting individuals in an environment and helping them to find their way around. In the past, this would be achieved by posting static signage that informed the visitor of where they were and the locations of different elements in the environment. This may have been better than having no wayfinding strategy at all, but it still has some limitations that can be addressed by using digital signage in its place.
It offers versatility
With a digital wayfinding system, you have more options for how the information is presented. You can offer turn-by-turn direction to a location in the environment or you can show a visual representation of how to get there on a map. The digital signage can also contain information about different elements of the environment. That means that it can go beyond showing the visitor how to get from point A to point B, but it can also help them to decide where they want to go when they are unsure. Along with that, you can update the system to reflect any changes that may occur to the environment. If something in the building is moved from one place to another, the digital signage can be easily changed to maintain accuracy. Furthermore, these are just a few of the ways that digital wayfinding is more versatile than static signage wayfinding.
Interactive wayfinding
Using an interactive kiosk for wayfinding can make for an even better visitor experience. It turns the wayfinding system into a more complete information center. With a touchscreen, the visitor can search for locations in the broader environment by name or by classification and they can even request information about the different locations as they may need. Not only is this better for the visitor, but it can also do some of the tasks that would normally require a human staff member.
With the interactive kiosk, you could also have the option of mobile wayfinding. Some digital signage can interact with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. With this technology, the visitor can request the information from the wayfinding system and stream it to their device. This could give them simple direction to the desired location or it could give them a map to help them navigate the entire environment.
Digital wayfinding can provide benefits to a range of different establishments and the larger the environment, the more beneficial it will be to have a dynamic wayfinding system that really aids the visitor. However, it is not just for the really big establishments, with a range of hardware and software options, there can be a digital wayfinding solution for almost any location.
