Navigating the Calgary Zoo:

A Wayfinding Analysis

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Overview

The project focused on conducting a comprehensive wayfinding analysis of the Calgary Zoo, examining how visitors navigate through the environment. Key areas of investigation included location, signage, atmosphere, accessibility, and future wayfinding plans. By observing user behavior and analyzing the zoo's wayfinding infrastructure, we aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

Process:

1. Location Selection: We chose the Calgary Zoo as the target location for our wayfinding analysis due to its popularity and diverse visitor demographics.
2. Topic Exploration: We delved into various aspects of wayfinding, including location mapping, signage effectiveness, atmosphere assessment, accessibility considerations, and long-term wayfinding strategies.
3. Data Collection: Through on-site visits and observation sessions at the Calgary Zoo, we collected data on visitor behavior, interaction with signage, navigation patterns, and overall user experience.
4. Analysis and Evaluation: We analyzed the collected data to evaluate the effectiveness of existing wayfinding elements, identify any challenges or bottlenecks in navigation, and assess the overall user satisfaction level.
5. Problem Identification: We identified key issues and challenges related to wayfinding at the Calgary Zoo, such as unclear signage, lack of directional cues, and accessibility barriers.
6. Recommendations: Based on our analysis, we proposed actionable recommendations to enhance the zoo's wayfinding experience, including improvements to signage clarity, addition of directional markers, and enhancements to digital navigation tools.
7. Future Planning: We explored future wayfinding initiatives and strategies for the Calgary Zoo, considering advancements in technology, visitor preferences, and long-term growth plans.

Result

Our wayfinding analysis provided valuable insights into the navigation experience at the Calgary Zoo, highlighting areas of improvement and opportunities for enhancement. By addressing identified challenges and implementing recommended solutions, the zoo can enhance visitor satisfaction, improve navigation efficiency, and create a more enjoyable experience for all visitors.

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Samples of all projects are available upon request.