Introduction to community wayfinding

Abstract

This introductory chapter sets the stage for the remainder of the book, defining key terms and reflecting on the historical and cultural aspects of human wayfinding and wayfaring. The authors highlight the importance of wayfinding, which is becoming more challenging in an increasingly urbanized and complex world that offers a plethora of choices. At the same time, communities invest in wayfinding infrastructure while individuals have ever more access to personal tools like smartphones that can facilitate wayfinding. The authors also describe the research and practice perspectives that contribute to an understanding of wayfinding and the barriers that currently impede a more integrated perspective. The chapter provides a conceptual framework to illuminate the interaction of wayfinding tasks with individual and environmental factors, as well as tools and technologies. It also articulates the potential benefits to individual and community health and vitality, calling attention to the heretofore largely unrecognized links between ease of wayfinding and public health outcomes, as well as other benefits to community livability and vitality. The introduction poses critical questions regarding the future of wayfinding research, practice, and policy, which are explored in depth in subsequent chapters.