Navigating the City: Implementing a Wayfinding System for Enhanced Urban Experience

Abstract

This study explores urban wayfinding as a form of environmental communication, examining its impact on navigation, perception, and experience in urban environments. A qualitative method approach was employed using observations, archival research, interviews, image sampling and a case study in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria. This paper demonstrates that urban wayfinding can be enhanced with non-verbal imagery as environmental communication and form part of the urban experience. Some attempts have been made to achieve these objectives. The first is an original contribution to understanding signs as visual language from a non-verbal perspective to benefit environmental communication. The second is the evidence of urban experience based on perception of the research area. Results show that effective wayfinding systems enhance navigation, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection between citizens and their urban environment. An augmented wayfinding system is proposed to address wayfinding challenges. Findings highlight the potential for wayfinding to transcend its functional purpose, and become a powerful tool for environmental communication, fostering a deeper connection between citizens and their urban environment. The study contributes to the understanding of urban wayfinding as environmental communication and provides recommendations for urban designers,
planners, and policymakers.