An Exploration of Interactive Wayfinding Displays in Hospitals: Lessons Learned for Improving Design

This research examined the usability and effectiveness of three large hospitals’ wayfinding interfaces. Participants recruited from three hospitals completed various tasks using the wayfinding interface. Errors and issues consistently observed were organized and developed into insights and recommendations, such as classifying information according to user expectations, including a universal search, minimizing unnecessary on-screen information, adhering to platform standards, presenting visual aids effectively, orienting navigation information effectively, and providing relevant environmental cues. Results from this paper will help inform researchers and designers to develop necessary guidelines when creating and iterating wayfinding interfaces, both in large multi-building hospitals and similar settings.