9 Ways Interactive Signage for Wayfinding Improves the Customer Experience

Marco Polo used the North Star during his travels across the Silk Road.

Lewis and Clark were equipped with a handy compass as they journeyed through the American West.

And today, millions of people across the globe use Google Maps to navigate anywhere imaginable on the open roads.

But what about your indoor explorations? What happens when you’re at the mall and can’t find the store you’re looking for? Or need help finding your class on a bustling university campus?

Interactive signage for wayfinding can make navigating your business a straightforward process for your customers.

Making their implementation necessary to ensure customer satisfaction.

Spectrio provides digital wayfinding technology to thousands of businesses across the U.S. and Canada.

With years of experience providing digital wayfinding signage to everyone from major league sports stadiums to prominent healthcare facilities, we understand the importance of facility navigation.

How Does Interactive Wayfinding Improve the Customer Experience?

According to Hubspot, wayfinding is reinventing the customer experience. But how can something as simple as providing easy-to-follow directions have such a massive impact on customer satisfaction?

1. Engagement and interactivity

Interactive digital signage captures customers’ attention and engages them actively in navigation. Users can interact with digital displays through touchscreens, gestures, or voice commands, making the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

2. Personalized directions

Interactive wayfinding maps can provide personalized directions based on a customer’s needs or preferences. Users can input their destination or interests, and the system can offer customized routes or recommendations catering to individual tastes.

3. Real-time updates

Real-time data, such as live maps, current wait times, or transportation schedules, can integrate with interactive signage. This ensures that customers receive up-to-date information, making their journey more efficient and convenient.

4. Visual appeal

Interactive displays often have visually appealing graphics, animations, and interactive elements that attract and engage customers. The aesthetically pleasing design creates a positive impression and contributes to the overall ambiance of the environment.

5. Wayfinding for complex environments

Interactive wayfinding can simplify navigation in large and intricate spaces like shopping malls or senior living facilities. Easily accessible floor plans and points of interest reduce client stress.

6. Time-saving and efficiency

By providing real-time directions and information, interactive signage helps customers easily reach their destinations.

7. Accessibility features

Interactive wayfinding can include accessibility features such as audio output or screen magnification, creating a more user-friendly experience for those with disabilities.

8. Gamification

Some interactive wayfinding systems incorporate gamification elements to incentivize exploration and engagement. For example, customers may earn rewards or badges for visiting certain locations within the space.

9. Data collection and insights

Businesses can gather valuable data from customer interactions with interactive signage. This data can then be used to analyze customer behavior, thus optimizing their experience.

Interactive Signage for Wayfinding FAQ

What are the four types of wayfinding signage?

Directional signage: These signs provide clear and concise information to guide visitors and customers in the right direction. They often include arrows, symbols, and text indicating specific locations or facilities.
Informational signage: This type of signage offers relevant details about points of interest, facilities, or landmarks in the area. These signs help visitors make informed decisions and better understand their surroundings.
Identification signage: Identification signs label and identify specific areas or buildings. They are beneficial in large complexes or campuses where it’s essential to discern between different sections.
Regulatory signage: Regulatory signs convey rules, policies, and safety information. They ensure visitors know the guidelines and restrictions while navigating through the space.

What makes a good wayfinding signage?

Clarity: The signage should be clear and easy to understand, using concise language, universally recognized symbols, and appropriate directional cues.
Visibility: Signage should be placed strategically with proper lighting and contrast to ensure easy visibility, even from a distance.
Consistency: A consistent design language and format should be maintained throughout all wayfinding signs, helping users recognize and interpret the information.
Adaptability: Wayfinding signage should be designed to adapt to various environments and scenarios, accommodating diverse users, including those with disabilities.
Up-to-date information: Information on the signage should be accurate and regularly updated to reflect any changes in the environment or facilities.

The expert design team at Spectrio can help you craft beautiful wayfinding signage that makes your business simple to navigate.

Why is wayfinding signage important for your business?

Enhanced customer experience: Clear and effective wayfinding signage helps customers navigate your premises effortlessly, leading to a positive customer experience.
Reduced confusion and frustration: Interactive signage, such as digital displays and touch screens, can provide real-time directions, reducing customer confusion and frustration.
Increased foot traffic: A well-guided customer is more likely to explore your business thoroughly, increasing the chances of discovering additional products or services.
Branding opportunities: Wayfinding signage can also be designed to reflect your brand identity, reinforcing brand recognition and leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

How does interactive signage create a professional environment?

Engagement: Interactivity encourages engagement and interaction, making customers feel more involved and valued.
Efficiency: Interactive signage allows customers to access information quickly, reducing waiting times and enhancing overall efficiency.
Modern appeal: Employing cutting-edge touchscreen technology and digital signage software portrays a modern and forward-thinking image for your business.
Personalization: Some interactive signage solutions offer personalized recommendations and directions, tailoring the experience to individual preferences.

What is the difference between signage and wayfinding?

The main difference between signage and wayfinding lies in their purpose and function.

Signage is a broad term encompassing all types of signs used to convey information. This can include advertising signs, informational signs, warning signs, etc. Signage serves various purposes beyond wayfinding.

Wayfinding is a type of signage focusing solely on guiding people through a physical space. Its primary purpose is to help individuals navigate and reach their desired destinations effectively.

Learn More About Interactive Digital Signs for Wayfinding With Spectrio

Whether navigating a hospital or trying to file taxes, isn’t everything easier when you get a little direction?

Since 1986, Spectrio has been guiding our clients on how they can improve their customers’ experience. From our best-in-class interactive wayfinding signage to our interactive kiosks, we are here to help you create attention-grabbing, interactive experiences for your clients.

Our practicable system allows you to implement our technology without any formal training.

“It’s extremely easy to use. Our owner was even able to quickly pull up a listing for a customer without any kiosk training, helping to close the sale.” – Brad Jensen, Sales Associate, Nichols Equipment