Wayfinding Best Practices

Wayfinding uses visual and sensory cues to help navigation. As such, it is influenced by many factors in the built environment, including architecture, road layout, landscapes, transportation, lighting conditions, signage, and the presence of people. The greater the complexity of the built environment, the more signage and other tools are needed to guide people on their journeys.

Downtown Largo Wayfinding Goals

Modal integration: Wayfinding information should help connect people walking and biking to transit services and key destinations. It should also help pedestrians and drivers navigate busy intersections safely and efficiently.

Local distinctiveness: Development of a single wayfinding standard will mean directional information is provided in a consistent manner, while allowing for customized local content.

Design for all: Wayfinding should indicate clearly the availability of accessible, comfortable, and safe walking routes for people of all ages and abilities. The wayfinding system should reflect principles of inclusive design so that it is fully accessible.

Systemization: Design standards for the wayfinding system should be built around simple, modular planning and design elements so that individual signs within the system can be updated as efficiently as possible. The wayfinding system should be supported by consistent content mapping run by the county and/or its partners to ensure system integrity, especially during periods of change.

Why Wayfinding Matters

Effective wayfinding enhances a person’s entire journey, instilling confidence that a trip can be made safely, conveniently, and efficiently. This encourages repeat visits and strengthens the reputation of Downtown Largo as an attractive destination. The diagram below illustrates some of the wider benefits of good wayfinding.