Wayfinding System
For Skagit Regional Health- TEAM: Variant
- ROLE: Lead Designer
- YEAR: 2019
Skagit Valley Hospital is the largest hospital in the Skagit Regional Health organization. It opened in Mount Vernon, Washington in 1958 and underwent a major expansion in 2007. As with any hospital of its size and history, navigating the halls from entry to destination can be overwhelming for visitors. I was lead designer on a team tasked with helping develop a comprehensive visitor navigation system that would enable visitors to find their destination quickly and easily and offer staff effective language to communicate directions to those who may need it.
Hub Strategy
The hospital has three elevator bays across its footprint. We defined these elevator bays as primary hubs within the system. Each elevator bay is identified by a letter and each floor is identified by a color making directions simple and memorable. Hubs and hospital entrances each contain a large-scale map of the hospital designed around the elevator/floor color strategy. Additionally, a brochure map is available at all map locations for visitors to take and carry with them if they wish (below).
Bread Crumbs Lead the Way
From the moment a visitor walks in the door, they have a consistent flow of information guiding them through the hospital. Each communication point is strategically placed within direct sight of the next. Throughout the hospital, directional signage guides visitors along their way (below, 1). Arrow colors correspond to the dedicated floor color for each service listed. Friendly language, visible from a distance, welcomes visitors as they approach their destination (below, 2).
Ever Growing, Ever Evolving
Having proven it’s value and effectiveness, the system has been implemented in four additional facilities in the years since its installation, evolving and adapting each time to best serve the needs of that facility.
