Wayfinders — Kathleen Syme Library (City of Melbourne).
Digital Design. UI/UX. Prototyping.
From concept to finished product, Kathleen Syme Library was one of many wayfinders I had the opportunity to design. Depending on the facility, modules could involve multi-level interactive maps with animated navigation, event calendars, book/resource searching and visitor information guides.
Each client facility provided its own set of design challenges, from complex floor plans to the display of key information that could be easily read at a glance. In every case a user centric focus was critical to providing a successful end product. In addition, I designed multiple animated interactions and transitions, crafted to help guide a users journey to key points around the interface.
Clients included Geelong Regional Library, Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Concord Hospital and Knox Private Hospital.
Early concept wireframes and CAD floor plans helped me understand each clients individual needs.
Different facility, different challenge
Every facility had its own challenges. For each Wayfinder created a UX review was undertaken to understand both client and visitor requirements.
In some cases, such as Geelong Library for example, the building was incomplete and layout plans where still evolving. In others, limited to no access to the site could occur if they were located in another state or territory.
To work within these limitations we needed to be in constant contact with the client and flexible to changes. An added skill was learning how to understand architectural plans, a challenge I enjoyed, and knowing what was needed to provide an accurate floor plan without confusing the user.
In the end each instances of a Wayfinder was put through onsite user testing to ensure this met with the visitors needs to provided accurate information and directions.
Limited visual space would only display essential services such as bathrooms, information/help points, lifts and exists)
Outcome
Our collective skill and turn around time increased with each wayfinder built. As we progressed, we began to find ways to simplify the process and provide an efficient service. We could then continue to provide an out-of-the-box product but still craft bespoke changes based on client, facility and user needs.
©Andy Firth | Designer + Creative Thinker. All rights reserved.