Wayfinding kiosks.

Faced with finding your way around an unfamiliar building can be quite daunting, but when hospitals deploy outdoor wayfinding kiosks, the first hurdle is overcome. It gives patients, visitors and new staff confidence and fist impressions count. Locating a virtual map outside the entrance, or even within the reception area, lessens the stress of probably an already stressful situation; when faced with an appointment. It is important to take account of the needs of human emotions, particularly at medical facilities, when tension is high and to allow at least ease the navigation of such a large area, is a major priority. Hospitals can be such ‘rabbit warrens’, particularly the older buildings which have corridors upon corridors all running in different directions; to who knows where!

Planning an indoor wayfinding kiosk

Often a major role played in the planning of digital wayfinding kiosks, are those who would use them most – so members of the public, hospital porters and staff all have a valid point to take into consideration. Amongst many other features to include, the most popular and logical suggestions are:

• Simplified language – yet specific to the department
• Constant format for each sign (text and spacing is important)
• Color identifying specific zones
• Pictures, art and images also help to locate certain areas; people with learning disabilities are included in the selection process
• Interactive touch screens are a popular choice, as they enable the visitor to exclusively search their own pathway
• Out-patients have the opportunity to book into their appointment, by using touch screen software
• Links to other relevant departments and information

Traditionally hospitals have painted coloured lines and arrows on the floor, and whilst this is till relevant, a virtual path makes the trail a whole lot easier. Volunteers and greeters at the medical lobby are no less valuable than previously, as a smile often reduces anxiety. These helpers may not need to assist people along a route, but can certainly aid them to using the way finding kiosks.

Outdoor wayfinding kiosks have uses too

These interactive signage kiosks are a computer terminal, which works independently and has specialized hardware and software for public use. It provides access to many forms of information, from education, communication, retail and leisure. In the early days, kiosks were very basic structures, but have evolved into technical and aesthetically pleasing art forms of street furniture in themselves. Locating a kiosk is often most logically placed in a high foot traffic area, such as lobbies, receptions and entrances. They are also relevant to airports, shopping malls and educational facilities. An outdoor wayfinding kiosk is a particular design, which is weather proof and will have a thermostatically controlled unit, allowing for fluctuations of temperatures. Temperature affects the running of the kiosks – if it isn’t running, it is a waste of money. The outlay of purchasing the hardware and software can be successfully offset against the revenue generated by ‘selling or renting’ advertising space within the screen. This appeals to marketers for restaurants, entertainments and retailers in particular.

Next time you have a health check appointment will your medical facility be deploying wayfinding screens?

DOOH Limited supply various solutions, from portrait and landscape wayfinding kiosks.