There is a science to wayfinding
To come up with the best solutions, you need to gather data and build a thorough understanding of the situation. To offer the best advice, you need to investigate and compare different possibilities. And to develop innovations, you need to explore.
MijksWise conducts research to connect the creative practice of design to the science of wayfinding. We conduct independent research, as well as research commissioned by clients, to answer questions about the current or future wayfinding experience of their visitors.
Our methods include testing of mock-ups and prototypes, observations and interviews, eye-tracking, online surveys, and others. To match the right expertise with robust research methods, we collaborate with universities and other research institutes.
If you want to collaborate or are interested to find out more about our research projects, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Image: etienne-girardet
New
Safe swimming locations
Safe swimming locations
The Dutch North Sea beaches ‘are not a swimming pool’, states the Dutch rescue brigade. Every summer, rescue brigades are busy warning visitors about dangerous situations and getting hundreds of people out of the water. How can wayfinding and information design play a role to improve safety? In collaboration with VU University Amsterdam and the NIVZ, we are currently conducting research regarding this topic. Our goal is to design solutions to improve safety at swimming locations, together with information designers at Mijksenaar.
Period
2020 – ongoing
Partners
VU University Amsterdam, NIVZ (Dutch Institute Safe Swimming Locations), Mijksenaar
Research question
How familiar are people with the meaning of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) safety flags, and how do the flags influence their behavior?
Image: MijksWise
Image: Maeva Hemon
New
Denmark’s future recreational network
Denmark’s future recreational network
The Danish Outdoor Concil has initiated a project to develop a recreational node network for cyclists and hikers. Its goal is to provide users with a better and greater offer in outdoor possibilities. The three-year project builds on research to develop the set-up for wayfinding, route planning and organisation of the new network. In the first phase in 2021, the needs and value of potential users are mapped, creating valuable insights that will guide the future design process. MijksWise and Mijksenaar teamed up to develop user research tools, like the setup of questionnaires and workshops to ensure an exquisite future user experience.
Period
2021 – ongoing
Client
Danish Cycling Tourism
Project partners
Danish Outdoor Council, Danish Coastal Tourism, The Danish Ramblers’ Association, Visit-organisations (Trekantområdet, South Zealand, Bornholm), Municipalities (Billund, Vejle, Næstved, Vordingborg, Bornholm), Mijksenaar
Research question
How can wayfinding optimally facilitate and enhance the experience for hikers and cyclists in Denmark?
Image: Sarah Green
