Final Deliverable

To solve our biggest problem area in the IHDD, we created navigational aids throughout the first floor to allow visitors to self-navigate to the check-in desk and bathrooms. 

Starling: IHDD Mascot

Based on our research, we wanted to create a mascot/character to make the IHDD more welcoming, as well as help new visitors with navigation. A secondary issue we wanted to tackle with this was also helping visitors who did not speak English fluently navigate within the IHDD. Since Starling is a recognizable shape (star), and follow me is a common phrase, we felt that it was simple to understand that following the star aka Starling would help a visitor reach their destination. Our catchphrase to guide people through the space is "follow the stars!"

Directional Posters & Directory

Our user research report noted that many patients and visitors weren’t sure that they were in the correct place when they first entered the IHDD and often struggled to find the check-in desk when they entered from the main 1st floor entrance. Thus, our navigational sign aims to tackle those internal navigational issues with the goal of making it clear that you are in the IHDD when you first enter the building, what clinics the IHDD houses, and what direction to go to get to the check-in desk. We wanted the poster to strike a balance between feeling welcoming and kid-friendly, while also being easy to understand at a glance, including non-native English speakers and those with visual impairments such as color blindness. 

Bathroom Signage

During the research phase of our project, we pivoted our project to be more directed towards wayfinding issues as we found it to be more of a prevalent issue than aesthetics. However, that’s not to say that the aesthetics of the center doesn’t need improvement with employees noting that the building feels sterile and outdated. Thus, we felt that an optimal medium to improve both of those elements could be through bathroom signage. The bathroom signage throughout the building is inconsistent in their labeling. For example, some have small text labels that say “women” or one bathroom that has “men” 3 times on the door. These labels can be hard to read and can make it difficult for visitors to confirm whether or not they’re at the correct location. 

In regards to aesthetic choices, we felt that having colorful signs with family friendly designs would help in making the building feel more welcoming and full of life. More specifically, the first floor will have an animal theme with bee and fish designs, the second floor will have a scenic theme with beach and hot air balloon designs, and the third floor has a nature theme with forest and space designs. When it comes to the icons representing the intended user of the restroom, we opted to use more inclusive icons. For example, a toilet icon for gender neutral restrooms rather than a man and a woman. For the family restroom, we opted to use a baby icon rather than the standard man and woman with a baby. These icons are meant to allow for people of all identities to feel comfortable in their choice of restroom.