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intro Through first-hand experience and observation of pedestrian traffic, a need was identified for a comprehensive environmental navigation system on campus. The proposed system would extend from nearby highway signage, into both exterior and interior campus signage. Accessed by people with a wide range of motivations, informational needs, reading levels and time dedications, the system would require more than systematic placement of traditional text-based signs. To develop such a system requires a much deeper understanding of how people process orientational and directional information in unfamiliar surroundings. This research targets people's use of adaptive environmental labeling, such as landmarks, nearby buildings, or an area's purpose as identification tools, especially where no successful wayfinding system has been established. It is vital to identify the tools people use to give and interpret wayfinding information before describing the traits an ideal system must employ. The research will be used to drive the design development, prototyping and testing of icons, signs, maps and other components of a final, audience-centered wayfinding system in spring of 2006. The product will be showcased as my senior thesis in Visual Communication. -- |
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