Examining the functionality and usability of interactive wayfinding design within cities in china

Abstract

In recent years, wayfinding is one of the aspects in urban city design that emerge with digital technologies in the smart city [1] development in China. However, before building a smart city, some issues need to be solved in the wayfinding system within cities in China such as misleading signs, irrational roadway design in transportation. This field study report is part of my research project, in which examples of three prime cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong) and two 2nd tier cities (Suzhou, Nanjing) are discussed to examine the functionality and usability of interactive wayfinding design. The findings of this report showed that emerging new technologies with wayfinding concept and theory that is based on user experience makes wayfinding more effective and functional. Some alternative guidelines and solutions of usable wayfinding design are provided to help people live in a safe environment rather than live in just a fully digitalized city. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2014.