Campus Development at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will use survey data to help develop a comprehensive, accessible, and inclusive wayfinding signage system. Photo courtesy VIU
Campus Development at Vancouver Island University (VIU) ran a survey recently asking students and staff to share their experiences and suggestions about wayfinding signage on the Nanaimo campus.
The input will be used to develop a comprehensive, accessible, and inclusive wayfinding signage system. In total, 470 responses were collected.
The university’s top priority will be improving building number and name signs, so they are larger, obvious, consistent, and higher contrast.
According to survey data, many key locations were identified for signs and maps, including parking lots, the library, upper cafeteria, student residences, and the bus loop. Hard-to-find buildings include the library and campus store, the gym, and VIU High School. Marking the building entrances with floor numbers is preferred, and colour-coding the campus by elevation would help people navigate.
New signs and maps will be accessible for everyone and will be well-lit when it is dark.
The data also showed beautification to the signs and maps are desired while keeping the content concise, and digital options for certain signs and maps will also be explored.
