Large facilities, such as airports, can be overwhelming and confusing for visitors. For example, a lack or wrong placement of wayfinding signages directing towards gates can confuse visitors. And if they take the wrong route, they might have to walk long distances, even reach the wrong gates, and then get along to the right gates. This can lead to a waste of time; in the worst-case scenario, individuals can miss their flights. The Wall Street Journal has previously reported how a traveller missed the shuttle and later his flight from Miami International Airport due to a lack of signage and proper wayfinding. This demonstrates how airport signage systems are among the most crucial components for effective operational management and overall visitor satisfaction. The strategy for airport signage must be precise and dotted with extreme clarity to avoid any confusion. Let us examine some critical features of airport signage, their influence on travellers, and potential solutions to fix the faulty signage system.
Major Difficulties for Visitors/ Travellers
The Overwhelming Size of the Complex
The size of the complex is one of the most apparent problems that airports face, and anyone in a hurry to catch a flight is expected to immediately go into panic mode. And if there is inadequate signage to direct them on the right path, this panic may develop into anxiety and cause them to miss their flight.
Difficulties for Specially-Abled Citizens
If these complexes lack inclusive signage that can aid those who struggle with reading or dyslexia, specially-abled travelers may encounter difficulties at airports. Positioning issues can also come to the fore, with people in wheelchairs, for instance, finding it difficult to properly view and read through the instructions.
Time Constraints or Crowd Distractions
Airports are, at times, too crowded for our tastes, and as a result, we can easily miss the signs and boards we are looking for. In addition, time constraints make everything too complicated and challenging to manage at these facilities. So, even if you were able to beat the traffic on the road, moving through the crowd at the airport can consume a lot of time.
Language Constraints
Individuals who do not speak or understand the local or global language may find it too difficult to navigate through the airport if proper signage is not installed. This can also make them miss important announcements or get them lost entirely within the complex. Universally acceptable signage is the key requirement for any airport so as to guide the visitors through different segments and procedures via wayfinding and proper signage, wherever necessary.
How Can These Complexities Be Tackled?
Of course, there is a solution for each of the listed issues that travellers frequently encounter at airports. The four methods for resolving these complications and ensuring an excellent visitor experience are listed below:
Consistent and Cohesive Signage
There is no doubt that airports require a highly uniform and cohesive signage system that is simple to understand and synchronised throughout the area. This assists the visitors in understanding the basic signage and adjusting quickly to the used theme across the complex. Thus, consistency cannot be compromised even if the signage is planned and installed in large quantities. Another thing to consider is that the visitor will not spend much time trying to understand and read the information on the signage. Therefore, the signage must provide a clear image and message at all levels without being text heavy, which can otherwise lead to information overload.
Paying Attention to Durability and Longevity
Airports are among the most active locations, so special attention must be given to the robustness and
