This project aimed to develop a comprehensive wayfinding system for a manufacturing facility to improve navigation, efficiency, and safety. In large industrial environments, ensuring employees, visitors, and contractors can easily find their way around is essential for reducing confusion, streamlining workflows, and maintaining safety protocols. The project involved several key stages, including a thorough site assessment, interviews with employees, design and testing of new signage, and the introduction of both printed maps and a digital application for inventory tracking.
The first phase involved a detailed site assessment, where the existing signage system was evaluated and any navigation challenges were identified. By walking through the facility, the team was able to pinpoint problem areas such as unclear directions, hard-to-find departments, and high-traffic zones. Interviews with employees at various levels provided crucial feedback. Production staff, supervisors, and facility managers shared their experiences, highlighting frequent pain points and suggesting areas that needed clearer signage, such as emergency exits, storage areas, and major department locations.
With the data collected, the design phase commenced. The goal was to create a system that incorporated both large, visible signage and detailed printed maps. The design included universally recognizable symbols and colors to ensure ease of understanding across all employee demographics. Prototypes of the signage were tested within the facility to gather feedback. Adjustments were made to ensure the signage was intuitive and clearly visible, particularly in areas of high foot traffic. Employees tested the updated signage to ensure it effectively addressed the challenges identified during the assessment phase.
In addition to the physical signage, a digital application was developed to complement the wayfinding system. The app was designed to provide real-time inventory tracking, helping employees quickly locate materials, tools, and products within the facility. Integrated with the existing inventory management system, the application allowed staff to track the movement of items and optimize workflows. The app was tested for usability, ensuring it was easy to navigate and functioned seamlessly with the physical signage. This digital solution further streamlined operations and minimized the time spent searching for tools and materials.
Through this combined approach, the project successfully enhanced the wayfinding experience within the manufacturing facility, improving overall efficiency and contributing to a safer and more organized work environment. The integration of both physical signage and digital technology provided a flexible, scalable solution that can evolve with the needs of the facility.
