SIMPLE + EFFECTIVE WAYFINDING
The Triad Center is home to several educational institutions and communications companies. It has a challenge with visitors and new students getting lost. FFKR’s Graphic Design and Marketing Team was tasked with studying its current wayfinding system and recommending a solution.
We evaluated vehicular and pedestrian paths of travel through the parking structures and around the Plaza to understand how people were moving around the Center. We identified missing information and sign types, and developed a simple, effective, evidence-based design solution.
Plaza Pedestrian Wayfinding
The fist issue identified was the lack of pedestrian wayfinding and signage on the Plaza level. There were maps of the Center, but these signs are located in out of the way spots and not easily found. Additionally, the maps lacked tenant names for the various buildings at the Triad Center. We walked the site with a new visitor mind set to see if we could go from point A to point B using the existing system and to recommend ways to enhance the visitor experience. We identified points where a pedestrian would need either information or confirmation that they are on the right path for their intended destination.
We designed a simple sign system located at these key points using hierarchy of information; building name with tenants listed and directional arrows.
Parking Structure Vehicular and Pedestrian Wayfinding
The second issue identified was the lack of pedestrian wayfinding and signage in the parking structure. While the parking level and section was identified, pedestrian direction signage was missing. We identified key points in the path of travel and developed a wayfinding system to help visitors find elevator banks and exits. The new garage and plaza signs were installed in 2023 and, as reported by the property managers, the issue with visitors getting lost has been successfully addressed.