New approaches to wayfinding programs within healthcare facilities will result in

Process
increasedGuide
customer satisfaction, patients arriving to appointments on time and staff
spending far less time giving directions.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

By Philip Murphy
Similar Project Experience

President/CEO
GNU Group

11

R I L E Y H O S P I TA L F O R C H I L D R E N AT I U H E A LT H S I M O N FA M I LY T O W E R

705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Owner Contact
Mr. Donnie Reed, Facilities Design & Construction
IU Health
317.962.6653, dreed@iuhealth.org
Completion Date
2013 (in construction documents)
Appointment Date

Time

Project Team

8:00 A.M.
HKS, Inc. Architect
PAMF,02/22/12
Camino Medical
Group / Exterior
Sign System
Ratio Architects Associate Architect

Your Destination

Mountain View, California

Outpatient Services

Messer Harmon Construction Manager

Cancer Center

Directions upon entering St. Marys Medical Center

PARK

Park your car in the lot west of

2250 Hayes
Follow the Signs to Cancer Center
Pedestrian Entrance

211

Follow Building Directionals to the

Grove St.

Shrader Street

McAuley

1
Shrader

2235 Hayes

2
2250
Hayes

Construction Cost
$120 million
Completion Time (phased project)
3/1/2011 9/1/2012 for design
8/30/2011 9/30/2013 for construction

450
Stanyan

Walkway
Levels B & C

Hayes St.

2250 Hayes

Project Description
The Riley Hospital for Children Simon Family Tower is a
new inpatient building to add capacity, increase efficiency
and enhance patient satisfaction. The 360,000-square-foot,
10-story bed tower build-out incorporates family-centered
care principles and family amenities. It features 300 private
beds, including a 48-bed PICU and 60-bed NICU, an
operating room, cardiac cath lab, expanded emergency
department, burn unit, cancer center and radiology suite.

Ramp down
to Emergency

211

Fulton Street

Cancer Center

Hayes St.

Department

Stanyan Street

Destinations

Cancer Center
If you have questions or need further assistance
please ask a volunteer or staff member.

Awards
None to date
Delivery Method
Integrated Project Delivery with multiple party agreement
(Nine firms signed the contract)
Number of Change Orders
0

APPOINTMENT CARD

Environmental Graphics
3445 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Architectural Sign Programs
Lafayette, California 94549
Marketing
Communications
Telephone Hawley Peterson & Snyder
Client:925-444-2020
Sutter Health I Architect:
I Landscape
Architect: SWA
www.gnugroup.com
925-444-2039 Facsimile
The architectural signage for PAMFs Camino campus is sensitive to the buildings distinctive
materials and forms. The program interprets Sutter Healths signage standards while customizing
Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities
the applications to fit the architectural context. Solutions capitalize on landscape walls, stone
monoliths and the articulation of the building faades.

WEBSITE

4590 MacArthur Blvd., 5th Floor

Newport Beach, California 92660
800-971-8025 Telephone
925-444-2039 Facsimile

4
2255 Hayes

Process Guide

Introduction
Healthcare facilities are among the most complex of any environments accessed by
the public. As hospitals and medical centers strive to enhance the user experience
and increase efficiency, successfully guiding people to their destinations is a key
consideration. A prodigious amount of research has been conducted on how people
navigate healthcare environments. Studies on the impact of user disorientation
within healthcare facilities confirm that the ability to find ones way contributes
significantly to user satisfaction rankings.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO WAYFINDING CHALLENGES INCLUDE:
Halls and Walls
Healthcare environments are too often characterized
by monochromatic labyrinths with few cues (other
than signs) to distinguish uses or destinations - a
perfect setting for getting lost. While contemporary
healthcare design is making great strides in changing
these conditions, the environments facing most
visitors are confusing.

Continual Change
Most healthcare facilities rarely remain static. Change
is inevitable, whether relocation of departments or
through renovation, additions or new construction.
The environment people encountered on their last
visit may be in entirely different on this visit.

Aerial Rendering . . .
Decentralized Facilities
The decentralized way that hospitals and clinics
deliver care today means patients often find
themselves navigating through different multiple
locations and needing to find a number of
destinations during the course of a single visit.

Aerial Photo 06.08.11

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

12

Historically, the answer to guiding patients, visitors and other users has relied on signs.
While signage remains a significant component of any wayfinding program, current best practices
mandate a broad spectrum of tools. An entire professional discipline called Environmental Graphic
Design has evolved to provide healthcare facilities with the solutions that will efficiently guide
people to where they need to be. Environmental graphic designers are employing the concept of
Integrated Wayfinding to assure users a smooth and seamless journey in their every navigation of
the healthcare environment.

Integrated Wayfinding
Integrated Wayfinding relies on multiple layers and forms of communication to assure that users
have all of the information they need to get to their destinations, on time and with maximum
ease. Integrated Wayfinding considers the many ways that users obtain guidance and responds
by distributing information when and where needed. While the process of finding ones way
should logically be a linear path, this is rarely the case. There are three categories of wayfinding
information; appointments, personal interaction and the environment.
APPOINTMENTS
Information conveyed through a variety of mediums including print, electronic, exhibits and
displays. An ideal experience will begin with an appointment reminder card that includes
directions and other orientation information such as maps, parking instructions, entry points and
travel time allowances. The website should provide the same orientation information along with
other destination and department details. Phone and tablet applications are increasingly entering
the mix of wayfinding tools.

211

Follow Building Directionals to the

1
Shrader

4
2255 Hayes

McAuley

If you have questions or need further assistance

211

Follow Building Directionals to

please ask a volunteer or staff member.

Cancer Center

Cancer Center

3
2235 Hayes

Hayes St.

Ramp down
to Emergency

Walkway
Levels B & C

Park your car in the lot west o

Follow the Signs to Cancer Ce

2250 Hayes

2
2250
Hayes

450
Stanyan

PARK

Pedestrian Entrance

4
2255 Hayes

Fell Street

Walkway
Levels B & C

Hayes St.

Shrader Street

Fell Street

450
Stanyan

Directions upon entering St. Marys Medical Center

please ask a volunteer or staff memb

Ramp down
to Emergency

Destinations

Stanyan Street

Destinations

Follow Building Directionals to the

Cancer Center

If you have questions or need further assistance

If you have questions or need further assistance
please ask a volunteer or staff member.
please ask a volunteer or staff member.

Appointment card

Web sites
WEBSITE

APPOINTMENT CARD
APPOINTMENT CARD

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

Pedestrian Entrance

If you have questions or need further

Stanyan Street

Follow the Signs to Cancer Center

Follow Building Directionals to the Pedestrian Entrance
Cancer Center

211

Follow the Signs to Cancer Center

iv e
r Dr

Cancer Center

PARK
Follow the Signs to Cancer Center Park your car in the lot west of
2250 Hayes
Pedestrian Entrance

211

2235 Hayes

2
2250
Hayes

Park your car in the lot west of

2250 Hayes

Ke za

211

McAuley

1
Shrader

2250 Hayes

PARK

Park your car in the lot west of

2250 Hayes

iv
r Dr

Directions upon entering St. Marys Medical Center

Ke za

Cancer Center
Cancer Center

PARK

Shrader Street

Department

Grove St.

Outpatient Services

Hayes St.

Your Destination

211

2250 Hayes

Time

8:00 A.M.

Hayes St.

Appointment Date

Department
02/22/12

Fulton Street

Cancer Center

Time

8:00 A.M.

Grove St.

Appointment Date

Fulton Street

Too often appointment

reminders provide only the
date and time and miss
02/12/12
the opportunity to include
Your Destination
Outpatient Services
orientation and directions.

WEBSITE

632

PERSON TO PERSON
Interpersonal communication includes any information or directions conveyed between individuals.
Whether formally structured, such as through phone outreach or serendipitous encounters with
visitors requesting directions, this is the most direct and personalized way of providing guidance.

Similar Project Experience

Almost a quarter of all visitors ask

for directions at information desks
or from staff while in the hallways.

RESOURCES

edicated team ready to

Healthcare staff take visitors to

their destinations an average
of 3 times a day.

R I L E Y H O S P I TA L F O R C H I L D R E N AT I U H E A LT H S I M O N FA M I LY T O W E R

705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

Owner Contact
Mr. Donnie Reed, Facilities Design & Construction
IU Health
317.962.6653, dreed@iuhealth.org

Completion Date
IN THE ENVIRONMENT
2013 (in construction documents)
Table of Contents
Architecture and interior design can
have a powerful impact in providing orientation cues. In
Project Team
HKS, Inc. Architect
new facilities, intelligent floor planning
and relationships of rooms and departments can aid
Ratio Architects Associate Architect
Messer Harmon Construction Manager
immeasurably in wayfinding. Renovations, and new construction, can capitalize on interior
Project Description
design that incorporates colors, materials,
and
other
The Riley Hospitalgraphics
for Children Simon
Family
Tower is avisual cues that can designate floors,
new inpatient building to add capacity, increase efficiency
zones, departments and prove helpful
inpatient
giving
directions.
and enhance
satisfaction.
The 360,000-square-foot,
10-story bed tower build-out incorporates family-centered
care principles and family amenities. It features 300 private
beds, including a 48-bed PICU and 60-bed NICU, an
operating room, cardiac cath lab, expanded emergency
department, burn unit, cancer center and radiology suite.

Construction Cost
$120 million

onal organization

Completion Time (phased project)

3/1/2011 9/1/2012 for design
8/30/2011 9/30/2013 for construction

technical expertise and

Staff commit inordinate time

helping people find their way.

11

Awards
None to date

Photos courtesy of HKS Inc.

Delivery Method
Integrated Project Delivery with multiple party agreement
(Nine firms signed the contract)

improving the environment

About the Cover

ital setting.

As a part
of the Hospital
wayfinding
mix,Campus
signs
remain
Phoenix
Childrens
Thomas
0

Number of Change Orders

the single most pervasive way providing directions

the heathcare expansion

environments.
is in
a comprehensive
and renovation
19

between $80 and $150

project featuring a 770,000 square foot

inpatient tower 334 private beds, emergency
department with 66 treatment rooms,
outpatient surgery and 94,350 square feet of

21

ambulatory clinics.

struction, with 49% in the

The project was recently awarded the Modern
Healthcare Design Awards Citation Award for
23

mbers of the Akron

excellence in the design and planning of new

and remodeled healthcare facilities.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

25

643

Signage and the Healthcare Journey

Integrated Wayfinding should provide all of the information a visitor needs to negotiate their
healthcare journey, from start to finish. Once at the facility, signs become the most important guide
for their journey. In the desire to provide sufficient information, signs in most healthcare facilities
disseminate too much information, often at the wrong locations. Signs try to offer directions to
virtually anyplace one needs to go, too early in the journey. This only adds to confusion.
PROGRESSIVE DISCLOSURE
The alternative to too much information on signs is a concept called Progressive Disclosure.
Progressive Disclosure means providing only the information that is needed to move one to the next
decision point. This is the structure used so effectively in airports where one is guided in increments,
first to the correct parking lot, then the terminal, then the concourse and ultimately the right gate.

Progressive disclosure as utilized in airport signage.

Progressive disclosure in a healthcare environment requires rethinking the way destinations are identified.
Alpha-numeric designations are used to label buildings or departments rather than names and functions.
Armed with their destination, the visitor simply follows the directions to that location. As they get closer,
additional alpha-numeric information is provided (for example, floor and room designations).

Because healthcare facilities are not organized linearly like airports, this concept has largely been ignored
in healthcare design. However, it is a concept that is increasingly becoming a fundamental part of
healthcare facility planning and design. Progressive Disclosure simplifies communications. It requires
fewer instructions to view and remember on each sign. Signs have room for larger type which means
much greater legibility and comprehension by visitors, patients and staff.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

45

The Role of Signage

A healthcare signage system must serve many purposes. Getting people to their destinations is the
primary use but a successful program must consider a number of other factors.
FUNCTION
The fundamental purpose of the sign system is to disseminate information, provide directions and identify
locations that will organize and make the healthcare journey easy to understand and use. In order to
function effectively a number of orientation issues must be clear. Paths of travel, preferred routes, designation
PAMF,
Camino
Medical
Group
/ Department
Icons
of
destinations,
common language
and the hierarchy
of sign
must all be determined
before planning
PAMF,
Camino
Medical
Group
/ types
Department
Icons
the
way thatCamino
directions
willMedical
be given. SomeGroup
considerations
for creating effectiveIcons
signage include:
PAMF,
/ Department
Mountain
View, California

Mountain View, California

Mountain View, California

Language
The language of healthcare is confusing and often frightening. Ophthalmology, for example, like most
medical terms has little meaning to most people. When used to designate a destination they only create
confusion. Rather than medical or scientific terminology, user friendly terms like Eye Care will make
1
2
3
4
5
6
1 for people to know
2 where to go. Inconsistency
3
4 within a single facility
5
it easier
of terms
also adds to 6
1
2
3
4
5
6
communications problems. If instructed to go to X-ray and the signs say Radiology there is sure to be
uncertainty. While these sound like simple concerns, getting the many stakeholders in an organization
to embrace and adopt common language takes consensus building that must be conducted prior to
8
9
10
11
12
13
committing
to the vocabulary
of a sign program.

1 - Allergy
1 - Allergy
2
1 -- Audiology
Allergy
2 - Audiology
3
Cardiology
2 - Audiology
3 - Cardiology
4
3 -- Conference
Cardiology Center
4 - Conference Center
5
4 -- Dermatology
Conference Center
5 - Dermatology
6
Imaging
5 -- Diagnostic
Dermatology
6 - Diagnostic Imaging
7
Endocrinology
6 - Diagnostic Imaging
7 - Endocrinology
8
Medicine
7 -- Family
Endocrinology
8 - Family Medicine
9
8 -- Gastroenterology
Family Medicine
9 - Gastroenterology
10
Health Resource Center
9 - Gastroenterology
10 - Health Resource Center
11
Disease Immunology
10 --Infectious
Health Resource
Center
11 - Infectious Disease Immunology
12
11 -- Infusion
InfectiousTherapy
Disease Immunology
12 - Infusion Therapy
13
12 -- Internal
InfusionMedicine
Therapy
13 - Internal Medicine
14
Laboratory
13 - Internal Medicine
14 - Laboratory
15
14 -- Computed
LaboratoryTomography
15 - Computed Tomography
16
Nephrology
15 - Computed Tomography
16 - Nephrology
17
16 -- Neurology
Nephrology
17 - Neurology
18
Neurosurgery
17 - Neurology
18 - Neurosurgery
19
Services
18 -- Nutrition
Neurosurgery
19 - Nutrition Services
20
Obstetrics
& Gynecology
19 - Nutrition Services
20 - Obstetrics & Gynecology
21
Hematology
20 -- Oncology/
Obstetrics &
Gynecology
21 - Oncology/ Hematology
22
Surgery
21 -- Orthopedic
Oncology/ Hematology
22 - Orthopedic Surgery
23
22 -- Otolaryngology
Orthopedic Surgery
23 - Otolaryngology
24
PatienT
Resource Center
23 - Otolaryngology

7
7
7

8
8

9
9

10
10

11
11

12
12

13
13

14
14
14

15
15
15

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16

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17

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18

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19
19

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20

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21
21

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22

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24

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25
25

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26
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28
28

29
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29

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30
30

31
31
31

32
32
32

33
33
33

34
34
34

Graphic symbols can represent care processes and the parts of the body being treated. This
simplifies communication and addresses the growing need to speak to multi-lingual audiences.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

56

Hierarchy
A comprehensive healthcare system might include as many as 50 different categories of signs.
From exterior monuments to room numbers, each sign type must be designed to accommodate
the necessary information.

A H 9 0 4 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 2 1 a
(Quantity 1)

109
109

Insurance
Office

A H 6 0 0 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 1 4
(Quantity 41)

E XIT TO
WAITING
A REA
EXIT

TO

116
116

Vacant

In Use

A H 9 0 3 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 1 9 a
(not to scale)
(Quantity 3)

MEN

WOMEN

Men

Women

A H 906.1 - LOCATION 31a

( Q u antity 4)

RESTROOM

2105 For
San Jose

Restroom

Keynotes:

Consultation

WAITING
AREA

A H 6 0 0 - L O C AT I O N 9 3
(Quantity 2)

A H 6 0 0 . 2 - L O C AT I O N 2 4
(in use slot)
(Quantity 2)
A H 9 0 4 - L O C AT I O N 2 1
(Quantity 1)

A H 9 0 3 - L O C AT I O N 1 9
(Quantity 3)

A H 906 - LOCATION 31
( Q u antity 4)

104

A H 6 5 0 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 1 9 b
(Quantity 10)

Interior Signa
2004 GNU Group.

Interior Sig
Concept 1

Exit This Way

Revisions/Bulle
1.

Project No: 19
Date: 01.25.200
Scale: 3 = 1
By: DAK

A H 4 0 0 - L O C AT I O N 6 9 ( Q u a n t i t y 2 )
(double sided)

Legibility
Assuring signs can be easily read is key to an effective wayfinding program. Scale, type size
and fonts, spacing and borders appropriate to viewing distance, lighting and illumination,
color contrast and orientation of arrows are all factors that determine if signs can be easily
read and understood.
Sign Placement
Proper location and placement of signs is also critical to their effectiveness. Sight lines, orientation to
path of travel, relationship to the destination and height from the ground influence how information
will be preserved.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

02.07

67

BRANDING
This years Healthcare Architectural Showcase juried by Healthcare Magazine affirmed the
significant trend in healthcare design branding. The jury explained, More and more,
hospitals are focusing on creating a strong brand identity within their facilities. At its core,
a powerful brand connects with users emotionally and generates their loyalty. The days
of healthcare providers having captive audiences are long gone. Healthcare is now one of
the most competitive services. Consumers have more choices then ever and the evolving
healthcare laws are assuring that competition will only increase in the future. Enhancing the
facilitys brand is paramount to user satisfaction. While the physical signs themselves will
not necessarily be a factor in a persons perception of brand (although cohesive and pleasing
design is valued), getting lost will. The frustration of getting lost is ranked among the top
complaints by visitors to healthcare facilities. They quickly redirect their negative feelings
toward the organization and the impact on brand, image, confidence, and ultimately loyalty
canCamino
be significant.
PAMF,
Medical Group / Exterior Sign System
Mountain View, California

Client: Sutter Health I Architect: Hawley Peterson & Snyder I Landscape Architect: SWA

The architectural signage for PAMFs Camino campus is sensitive to the buildings distinctive
materials and forms. The program interprets Sutter Healths signage standards while customizing
the applications to fit the architectural context. Solutions capitalize on landscape walls, stone
monoliths and the articulation of the building faades.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

78

AESTHETICS
Signage must contribute to8 a facilitys design character and quality. Signs complement architecture
and interiors and help establish the character for the environment. From visual vibrancy and
playfulness in a childrens hospital to subdued elegance in a senior care facility, design can make a
difference on peoples experience. The appropriate expression through form, color, typography and
OConnor Hospital / Interior Sign Standards Program
materials
can help shape the users experience and perception of their journey.
San Jose, California

Photo courtesy of HKS Inc.

OPERATIONS
Many factors determine the ongoing efficacy of a sign system. How will the systems design
accommodate the initial budget, life cycle costs, maintenance requirements, sustainability and other
practical considerations that determine their long term viability? Some factors to consider:
Cost/Budget
Implementing a comprehensive wayfinding program has considerable costs. It is imperative that
management looks at wayfinding as an investment. As indicated through research, the cost of
poor wayfinding is significant. Staff time and missed appointments waste money, influence user
satisfaction and negatively impact the organizations brand.
AH904.1 - LOCATION 21a
(Quantity 1)

109
109

EXIT TO
WAITING
AREA

116
116

AH903.1 - LOCATION 19a

(not to scale)
(Quantity 3)

MEN

WOMEN

Men

Women

AH906.1 - LOCATION 31a

(Quantity 4)

RESTROOM

2105 Forest Avenue

San Jose, CA 95128

Restroom

Procurement
Competitive bids, design build and single sourcing are among the many ways that signs are ordered
and installed. Each approach has cost and logistical implications that must be considered.
Insurance
Office

A H 6 0 0 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 1 4
(Quantity 41)

EXIT

TO

Keynotes:

Consultation

WAITING
AREA

A H 6 0 0 - L O C AT I O N 9 3
(Quantity 2)

AH600.2 - LOCATION 24
(in use slot)
(Quantity 2)

AH904 - LOCATION 21
(Quantity 1)

AH903 - LOCATION 19
(Quantity 3)

AH906 - LOCATION 31
(Quantity 4)

104

Maintenance
Signs, particularly in exterior locations, must be maintained. Provisions for cleaning, repair and
replacement must be a part of the management of a sign program.
A H 6 5 0 . 1 - L O C AT I O N 1 9 b
(Quantity 10)

Interior Signage

2004 GNU Group. All rights reserved.

Interior Sign Hierarchy,

Concept 1

Exit This Way

Revisions/Bulletins

By

1.

MM

02.07.05

Project No: 196.001

Date: 01.25.2005
Scale: 3 = 1 - 0
By: DAK

Flexibility/Changeability
INT.H1
The dynamic nature of healthcare facilities means continual change. Designing for efficient, cost
Client: Daughters
of Charity
Health is
System
Architect:
Grobman
& Associates
effective
and timely
change
criticalI to
a sign Reel
program
that
works.
A H 4 0 0 - L O C AT I O N 6 9 ( Q u a n t i t y 2 )
(double sided)

A new hospital wing triggered the design of a revitalized signage and wayfinding program that
enhances OConnor Hospitals interior aesthetic. The signage is comprised of a kit-of-parts that
COMPLIANCE
provides flexibility, cost efficiencies and can be easily maintained and expanded.

Meeting the myriad of codes, ordinances, accessibility and life safety requirements is an
important programming and design consideration of signage. Healthcare facilities have distinct
compliance requirements mandated by governing jurisdictions. California, for example, has
standards and a review process administered by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and
Development (OSHPD) that must be adhered to in addition to, ADA, fire codes and other
rules for compliance. Serving the public need is crucial but a facility that does not meet the
compliance requirements will not get its operating permits.
Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

869

How to Develop an Integrated Wayfinding Program

for Your Facility
Developing an Integrated Wayfinding program parallels the architectural process and includes the
following steps research and planning, design, documentation and implementation.
STEP 1. RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Every facility is different in its physical requirements, organizational make up and internal politics. A
project Wayfinding Task Force that includes all internal and external stakeholders will assure continuity
and consistency of direction and decisions. This group will provide input on wayfinding strategy,
organizational idiosyncrasies, common language, implementation and ongoing program management.
They also help to avoid conflicts that can result in changes and additional costs latter in the process.

First
level

Second
Level

Research and Planning assesses current conditions, surveys user groups, identifies circulation and
destinations,
establishes
information
hierarchy
language.High
It assesses
fourth
fifth
Sign
Low Range and determines
Low Range the wayfinding
High Range
Range
level
level
Totals
Unit Price
Investment
Unit Price
Investment
brand issues, as well as functional and aesthetic criteria, operational and compliance parameters and
provides fabrication and installation options. This step results in a the Wayfinding Master Plan, the
1,000.00
2,800.00
1
2,800.00
comprehensive guide to how
the Integrated Wayfinding1,000.00
program will work, how it will be
created
900.00
2,100.00
1
900.00
2,100.00
and how it will be implemented and managed.

third
Level

1
1

& Directional

23

1
1
7
6
5Description

First
level

wayfinding / identification
Cadence Lobby Logo (1)

5Primary Auditorium ID (2)

Cadence
Building 10
Interior

Sign Type

Standard Room ID

23

3Description

Cadence
WIFI CafeLobby
ID Logo (1)

3Standard Room ID

Building 10
UPDATED
Interior
7.03.08

Recycling / Trash ID
Patio Directional

23
6

4WIFI Cafe ID

2
2

Menu
Board
ID
Elevator
Emergency
Instructions (4)

PRELIMINARY
INVESTMENT
ESTIMATE

7Recycling
9
/ Trash
Restroom Wall
ID ID
Tabletop
RestroomIDDoor ID

7Fire Extingushier Location

4 Flags

NOTES:

16

third
Level

fourth
level

13

13

73

6
14

52

64

54

regulatory Max Occupancy

Stair
TotalsID
by (Wall)
floor

UPDATED
7.03.08

45

lags

17

Level ID
Servery
Internal Section
StairwellIDInformation
Servery
Subsection
Evacuation
Map ID

Second
Level

Tabletop ID
14
4
4
Assisted Listening Device ID & Directional
regulatory
servery
Stair ID (Wall)
Bistro
Stair IDServery
(Door)ID

fifth
level

2,500.00

2,500.00

23

135.00

3,105.00

207.00

4,761.00

1,800.00

1,800.00

2,500.00

2,500.00

1,152.00

86.40

1,382.40

6,200.00
1,152.00

86.40

1,382.40

56.40

902.40

Low Range
Unit Price

Low Range
Investment

High Range
Unit Price

High Range
Investment

1,000.00

1,000.00

2,800.00

2,800.00

900.00

900.00

2,100.00

2,100.00

1,400.00

1,400.00

2,500.00

2,500.00

23

135.00

3,105.00

207.00

4,761.00

11

58

104.00

6,032.00

167.00

9,686.00

146.25

438.75

212.06

146.25

292.50

fifth
level

Sign
Totals

16

Low Range
Unit Price

Low Range
Investment

16

2,500.00

1
17
16
5

23
5

11

58
6

35

16

1
16

1
16

7
15

3
5

Sign
Totals

2
First
level

Secondary
Auditorium
Servery Subsection
ID ID (3)
Conference
Menu BoardRoom
ID ID

ions (4)

fourth
level

Auditorium
Servery Section
ID ID (2)
3Primary
3

PRELIMINARY
INVESTMENT
Cadence
ESTIMATE

third
Level

Conference Room ID

servery
wayfindingBistro
/ identification
Servery ID

Second
Level

Assisted Listening Device ID & Directional

1,400.00

an acrylic room identification plaque might cost $20 whereas a sign with higher quality materials and more
3,500.00
4,500.00
7
24,500.00
31,500.00
detail might be priced at $100.
Stakeholders
can then determine
the allocation
of costs for10,800.00
each sign
1,000.00
1,800.00
6
6,000.00
type based on its function,5location, materials
design details. Since
this process10,500.00
occurs
1,100.00 and other
2,100.00
5,500.00
75.00
125.00
prior to design, solutions respond
to the defined budget.450.00
This approach eliminates the surprises
6
750.00 that
275.00 from comprehensive
400.00 documents.
5
1,375.00
2,000.00
typically accompany competitive
bids priced
construction

Secondary Auditorium ID (3)

PROJECT
BUDGET RANGE
Patio Directional

1,400.00

BUDGET
104.00
167.00
8
11
58
6,032.00
9,686.00
The budget is one
considerations of438.75
a Wayfinding Master
212.06Plan. GNU Groups
3 of the most
3 important 146.25
636.19
approach to budgeting offers2unprecedented
control over costs
at
the
earliest
point
in
the
process.
Every sign
146.25
212.06
292.50
424.13
type is identified and the quantities for each determined. A potential high and low cost is estimated for each
sign type. The high and low costs are multiplied by the number of signs to yield a budget range for each sign
2,500.00
6,200.00
1
6,200.00
type as well as the entire project.
These figures allow choices2,500.00
for how money will be prioritized. For
example,

Sign Type

6
31

5
10

6
12

5
12

38

26

636.19

212.06

424.13

72.00

High Range
Unit Price

High Range
Investment

2,500.00

6,200.00

1,000.00
1,800.00

72.00

1,000.00
1,800.00

2,800.00
2,500.00

900.00
3,500.00

900.00
24,500.00

2,100.00
4,500.00

2,100.00
31,500.00

1,400.00
1,000.00

1,400.00
6,000.00

15

135.00
1,100.00

3,105.00
5,500.00

104.00
75.00

6,032.00
450.00

31

146.25
275.00

16

47.00

2,800.00
2,500.00

752.00

2,500.00
1,800.00

2,500.00
10,800.00

146.00

207.00
2,100.00

4,761.00
10,500.00

438.75
1,375.00

212.06
400.00

146.25

326.00

292.50

212.06

72.00

1,152.00

12

2,500.00
72.00

2,500.00
1,152.00

6,200.00
86.40

1,800.00
47.00

72.00

1,800.00
752.00

12

3,500.00
146.00

24,500.00
2,190.00

1,000.00
326.00

50.00

38

1,100.00
200.00

10

26

200.00

167.00
125.00

2,190.00

175.20

2,628.00

636.19
2,000.00
10,106.00
424.13

391.20

12,127.20

2,000.00

9,686.00
750.00

240.00

2,400.00

2,500.00
56.40

864.00
2,500.00

86.40

1,036.80

4,500.00
175.20

31,500.00
2,628.00

6,000.00
10,106.00

60.00

720.00
3,705.00

86.40

1,382.40

6,200.00
1,382.40
902.40

600.00

1,800.00
391.20

10,800.00
12,127.20

5,500.00
2,000.00

2,100.00
240.00

10,500.00
2,400.00

75.00
72.00

450.00
864.00

125.00
86.40

3,087.50
750.00
1,036.80

97.50

275.00
50.00

1,375.00
600.00

400.00
60.00

2,000.00
720.00

81.25

3,087.50

97.50

52.50

1,137.50

52.50

43.75

81.25
43.75

1,137.50
3,705.00
1,365.00
$78,334.25
1,382.40
$114,806.51

312
16
312

Stair ID (Door)

16

72.00
Installation

Level ID

16

47.00RANGE
LOW

Internal Stairwell Information

15

146.00

Evacuation Map

14

31

326.00

10,106.00

Elevator Emergency Instructions (4)

10

200.00

2,000.00

240.00

2,400.00

Restroom Wall ID

12

72.00

864.00

86.40

1,036.80

12

50.00

600.00

60.00

720.00

38

81.25

3,087.50

97.50

3,705.00

26

43.75

1,137.50

52.50

1,365.00

Restroom
* Plus applicable
tax

Door ID

Fire Extingushier Location Flags

Occupancy
1. Lobby LogoMax
- fabricated
dimensional letters 3" x 6" CH
Totals by floor
painted, pin mounted

72.00
Sub Total

painted, pin mounted

3. Secondary Auditorium (Donor Application) - fabricated dimensional letters

painted, pin mounted
NOTES:

1,152.00
$5,100.00

86.40
Installation

Installation
56.40RANGE
HIGH

752.00
$83,434.25
2,190.00

175.20

LOW RANGE
391.20

1,382.40
$9,100.00

$5,100.00

902.40
$123,906.51
2,628.00

$83,434.25
12,127.20

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

312

Sub Total

Installation

2. Primary Auditorium - fabricated dimensional letters

Sub Total
86.40
1,152.00
$78,334.25
Sub Total

LOW RANGE

$78,334.25

$5,100.00

$83,434.25

Sub Total

Installation

HIGH RANGE

$114,806.51
$9,100.00

$123,906.51

Sub Total
Installation
HIGH RANGE

1,365.00
$114,806.51
$9,100.00

$123,906.51

109

STEP 2. DESIGN
This is where the creative concepts come to life. Designs respond to the criteria in the
Wayfinding Master Plan with solutions that meet the functional, aesthetic and budget goals for
the program.
STEP 3. DOCUMENTATION
The documentation includes the instructions for those who will fabricate and install the signs.
Large scale, ongoing programs of organizations with multiple facilities typically include Signage
Standards as a part of the documentation package.
STEP 4. IMPLEMENTATION
Assist with identifying qualified fabrication resources and in the selection of preferred
fabricator(s). This entire step focuses on choosing who will fabricate and install the signs,
negotiating and managing the process and assuring quality.
STEP 5. TRAINING
With even the most effective wayfinding program, people will still ask for directions. As an
acknowledged component of an Integrated Wayfinding program, giving directions must be
carefully orchestrated. Teaching staff to guide people with simple instructions, common language

Wayfinding at Riverside Medical Center

INTRODUCING WAYFINDING

INTEGRATED WAYFINDING

GIVING DIRECTIONS

YOURE ABOUT TO BE DEPUTIZED!

1. Introducing Wayfinding

Today we are making you an official Wayfinding Deputy. Well be teaching you how to give
the best possible wayfinding directions to our members and visitors.

2. Customer Satisfaction

3. Orienting Members

4. About This Tutorial

5. You are a Wayfinding

5. Deputy

6. About Healthcare
5. Wayfinding

GNU Group All Rights Reserved

As part of a comprehensive Integrated Wayfinding program, GNU Group provides staff training on how to
give directions. Each webinar presents facility specific path of travel instructions. Training assures that staff
are consistent in the way they tell visitors how to get to their destinations.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

10
11

Conclusion
A comprehensive Integrated Wayfinding program may appear to be simple, but its complexity
and its impact on the visitor experience is significant. It demands the input and collaboration of
many stakeholders and an acute understanding of the behavioral patterns of the users. As noted
by the jury of the Healthcare Architectural Showcase, When wayfinding is applied as a part
of the design initiative instead of an afterthought, it helps create an intuitive environment that
reduces stress, and fear feelings that are counterintuitive to enhance healings.
A successful Integrated Wayfinding approach will assure that visitors and patients getting lost will
becomes a thing of the past.

About Philip Murphy

Philip Murphy is President/CEO of the GNU Group, a
California-based environmental graphic design firm that has been
pioneering wayfinding for healthcare environments for over 40
years. Phil leads the firms Healthcare Studio. He manages a team
of over 20 designers and project managers in planning, designing
and implementing wayfinding projects that range in scale from
20,000 sq. ft. to over 2 million sq. ft.

For more information about GNU Groups approach to Healthcare Wayfinding contact
pmurphy@gnugroup.com or 925 444-2021. Also visit our website at www.gnugroup.com.

Wayfinding Planning for Healthcare Facilities

February 2012

11
12
2012 GNU Group