Wayfinding case study

A wayfinding program
integral to a special place.

Successful wayfinding systems put visitors at ease and, therefore, open to learning. Wayfinding can also reinforce the identity of a special place.

Historic treasures

From the 1930's when the zoo opened: neo deco architecture, carved WPA signs and cement sculptures, and whimsical maps.

Testing showed that visitors love the WPA signs mounted at the zoo since the 1930's.

Old maps

The tradition of marvelous maps continued into the 1960's.

Visitor testing

A series of tests in the 1980's informed decisions about directional signs.

After extensive tests we decided to keep north up orientation. We tried south up because the lot is north of the zoo. We also tested a map that rotates around the central fountain.

Updated wayfinding

Directional signs picked up carving motif and colors, added stripes.

Map kiosk with information graphics develop ideas further.

Modern map with the whimsical sensibility of zoo historic maps.

Design standards

The color palette and animals illustrated in "neo-deco" style are among the elements used to develop a harmonious identity for the zoo.

Highway graphic leading visitors to the zoo: one of many neo-deco signs.

Horizontal stripes, zoo color palette and fonts, and neo-deco images.

Zoo designers combine these elements into a wayfinding system.

Signs at zoo entrance introduce visual and conceptual themes.

Recent Exhibits

Exhibit design concepts	• Case study of design responding to a concept • Exhibit designs can be distinct and work together • Wayfinding case study • Design reinforcing messages • Design that helps make learning fun
Sign writing samples