ABSTRACT
An individual’s ability to make a journey for pointA to point B is dependent on their ability to spatially orientate themselves and wayfind (Passini, 1984). Wayfinding can be defined as the process of finding one’s way in a geographical or built environment, a wayfinder needs to know their present location and how to get to their required destination (Fewings, 2001). How the wayfinder gets to their destination is dependent on the quality of information provided in their environment. Good environmental design is of particular importance in complex environments such as universities, hospitals and railway stations where several barriers to journey completion may arise (Tam, 2010). Cognitive ergonomics investigates space and layout design to see how external stimuli such as signage are interpreted by people so that a cognitive map may be built enabling them to wayfind. Unclear or ambiguous design can present barriers which frustrate the able-bodied and present barriers to those with physical disabilities and/or cognitive disabilities (Wilson et al., 2007).
