Way-finding in IIT Bombay
Designed a way-finding system in a college involves creating maps, signage, and digital tools to help users navigate the campus
Role
Visual & Interaction Designer
Project Duration
1 Month
About
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Efficient navigation within complex university campuses such as the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) presents challenges due to the continuous expansion and addition of new buildings. To address this issue, we are developing a wayfinding system specifically tailored for IITB. This system aims to provide intuitive and reliable guidance to students, faculty, and visitors, enabling them to navigate the campus with ease.
Process
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Mind mapping
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Primary Research
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We conducted a comprehensive survey utilising Google Forms, interviewing a diverse group of individuals comprising students, interns, and visitors, totalling six participants and took photos for existing sign and way finder in campus.
The primary focus was to glean valuable insights into their experiences, particularly during their initial encounters with IIT Bombay. The findings from our research revealed intriguing details, notably highlighting the challenges encountered by students and visitors during their early visits to IIT BOMBAY. These insights offer valuable perspectives that shed light on the initial hurdles faced by newcomers within the IIT Bombay community.
Responses from google forms
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Secondary research
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In our secondary research to improve campus signage, we studied universities known for their strong communication systems, including Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Washington. Using sources like Medium, Behance, and Google Scholar, we explored best practices, innovative designs, and academic research to identify trends and strategies in effective signage and wayfinding solutions.
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A key finding in our research was the signage guideline book from IIT Guwahati, offering practical insights into signage design, placement, and accessibility for academic institutions. By integrating this resource with insights from digital platforms and academic studies, we aim to create an intuitive, user-friendly wayfinding system to enhance campus navigation for all.
Why Resistance?
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The vast size and complexity of IIT Bombay's campus make navigation challenging, requiring careful planning for effective signage. Limited resources and a focus on academic priorities may delay non-academic projects like wayfinding. Additionally, complex administrative decision-making and a lack of external pressure to improve signage further contribute to delays in implementing such systems.
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Challenges in implementing wayfinding systems at IIT Bombay include budget constraints, technical feasibility, and stakeholder buy-in, even with existing designs like the map by Prof. Mandar Rane and Shishir Bhagade. Vandalism and maintenance concerns further hinder investment in physical signage. Limited awareness and access to resources like the Main Gate map emphasise the need for improved dissemination. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from administration, academics, and stakeholders to ensure a user-friendly navigation system.
Scenario
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Rahul, a freshman at IIT Bombay, wanders through the maze-like pathways on his first day of classes. He struggles to find CL104 in the ESE Building, as the signage is unclear and confusing. After stopping a passing senior student for directions, he finally reaches his destination but is late for class.
Opportunities
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Strategic Direction Boards: Clear, visually appealing signs with large fonts, contrasting colors, and intuitive symbols will be placed at key locations, especially in high-traffic areas and building entrances.
Interactive Campus Game: A virtual game will help users explore and familiarize themselves with the campus layout, buildings, and shortcuts, making navigation easier in real life.
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Organized Campus Tours: Guided tours for new students and visitors will cover key areas, offering firsthand insights into the campus layout and services.
Innovative Wayfinding Elements: Overview maps, "You Are Here" maps, and directional signs will be deployed strategically to provide real-time location awareness and guide individuals along optimal routes.
Student-Specific Shortcuts: Maps and signage will include shortcuts and time-saving routes, helping students navigate efficiently between key locations. Tips will be shared via digital platforms and orientation materials.
Causal maps
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User journey
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We mapped out User journeys of all the stakeholders including fresher students, visiting faculties, professors, workers, campus and hostel guards, Family & friends and other visitors to see get their perspective of how would they navigate inside campus.
This helped us in getting various insights and issues which we listed out and ideated accordingly.
Basic Components of the wayfinding signage system
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Basic Components of the wayfinding signage system
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Vehicle-Centric Environment: Heavy reliance on cars and autos makes it difficult for drivers to engage with pedestrian signage, causing congestion, noise, and air pollution.
Limited Footpaths & Weather: Sparse pedestrian paths and harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or extreme heat, discourage walking, pushing people towards vehicles despite congestion.
Complex Layout: The intricate and expansive campus layout with interconnected buildings makes navigation difficult, leading to disorientation.
Pollution: Heavy vehicle use results in noise and air pollution, impacting campus environment and health. Distance Challenges: Long distances between key areas discourage exploration, limiting students' and visitors' campus experiences.
Navigation Design
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Signage Installations and Sign boards
Strategically placed throughout the campus to provide directional guidance to pedestrians. Clear, concise signage indicating paths, landmarks, and destinations.
Digital Kiosks
Interactive kiosks placed at key locations, offering detailed maps, route suggestions, and additional information about facilities and events on campus
Web integration
An accompanying online platform available for smartphones. It provides personalised navigation, real-time updates on events and facility availability, and integrated with the campus-wide wayfinding system
Information architecture
Wireframes
