WAYFINDING

WAYFINDERS

• Are types of designers
• However, while interior and exterior designers normally focus on making safe, functional, and beautiful wayfinders focus on making sure people can find their way around the space

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• Wayfinders are typically commissioned to design large spaces where large amounts of people visit. (Zoos, aquariums, airports, museums etc)

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• Wayfinders use the same elements of design as interior designers but instead of beauty they focus on using elements such as leading lines, lighting, floor and wall patterns and signs to make sure that people can find their way around.
• Wayfinders have to have strong science and math skills and be creative and self-disciplined. Most wayfinders may get to design exactly how they want the space to look and have others bring their vision to life, but some do some of the installation themselves.

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• Degrees that can help one land a career in way finding are "design", "architectural design", "interaction design", and "design strategies"
• Degrees can go all the way up to the Masters level

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• As a wayfinder you will always be working for someone. For many projects you will be paid by a city, state, or large organization. You will not only have someone overseeing your work but most likely someone else or several others overseeing them.
• However, you will also have people working under you.

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• As a wayfinder you will normally be working on spaces that have not yet been opened to the general public seeing as how your work will be important for people to be able to find their way around the space you're looking for

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• The jobs normally pay "by project" which means that you will have a set pay and deadline for when your work needs to be done. The median salary is $63,390.
• Projects can be ongoing for months and work is ongoing.
• Benefits may be offered if one is working for a specific company or city/state but one may also be independent.

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• The work environment can be varied. While you may be working in a completed space, you may also be working amongst nails, dust, and construction workers. One constant is that the spaces, whether they're indoors or outdoors will be big.
• While your job is done when you leave work you are generally paid by project.

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• In order to pursue a career in way finding you will need one of the bachelors degrees mentioned earlier on in the presentation.

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• I found a few job openings while searching on Google, however, it might be easier to work for a particular state, city or company.

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• When starting a new project wayfinders will first have to find out the budget, time frame, and objectives of the client.
• Then they will come up with a design and plan to submit to the client. Upon approval, they will look for the necessary materials that will fit within the budget.

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• Way finding is a relatively new career, one that has grown in popularity, in the past decade, as technology and modern design have developed.