The Process for Developing A City Wayfinding Plan

Research and Planning

Before all other activity, we delve head-first into research. We conduct preliminary interviews with available. City representatives to understand the City’s history, demographics, their resources, development plans, competitor sand strategic plans for the future.

We seek additional resource materials such as existing collateral, current streetscape conditions and code information. The City’s industry, market focus and competition will be evaluated. The site is surveyed, photographed and re-evaluated so that we may develop an intimate relationship with existing conditions.

Definable destinations and traffic decision points are viewed first hand on site. Traffic flow is understood and future roadway improvements are considered. Traffic speed, sight lines, density of visual competition, environmental conditions and existing wayfinding vernacular is studied and documented.

Key stakeholders are identified and interviewed. We convey our current understanding of the challenge, share our methodology of approach and solicit input.  We feel it is important to hear all voices and be fully aware of the broad spectrum of concerns. This information is digested and a set of performance criteria is developed.

We identify opportunities for the integration of wayfinding elements with existing or proposed streetscape conditions. We evaluate the need for pedestrian area maps or informational kiosks. We follow a number of proven statistical guidelines for vehicular signage. They include but are not limited to the following: No more than 5 line items per sign; a line item hierarchy with nearest destination to the farthest; reversed text on dark background for increased legibility; cap height determined by distance, speed and visual congestion; placement of signs determined by minimum distance from recognition to decision point and backdrop contrast, ample negative space between and around messages to increase legibility, and clearance/set back restrictions.

The resulting report includes proposed sign-type descriptions, a preliminary message schedule and sign locations on a site plan.

Concept Generation

After we establish functional performance of the proposed wayfinding system and gain consensus, we consider visual performance– how best to enhance individual districts while maintaining continuity throughout the entire city. We look for ways to reduce the amount of visual clutter and redundant signage.

We conduct an internal brainstorming session where ideas are exchanged in a team forum. We maintain a single rule: “There is no such thing as a bad idea”. We believe that “free imagining” leads us to the best solutions. One idea leads to a better one, a better idea leads to a brilliant one. Rough concepts are created and evaluated together in a critique session. All efforts are measured against the criteria established in the assessment document.

We present our understanding of the wayfinding performance criteria, initial wayfinding scheme concept visuals. A presentation is accompanied with established criteria and our recommended wayfinding logic. The goal is to establish agreement first on the wayfinding logic, sign messaging and ultimately design direction.

Design Development

Upon receiving comments and/or approvals from the City and participating stakeholders, the concept schemes are narrowed down to one for development. Cost estimates are collected from one or more fabricators. Value-engineering is considered if cost is an issue.

An internal review is conducted. Visuals are prepared and a second submittal is presented to the City for review, approval and/or comment. At this time the concepts are be shared with a DOT representative for comment. If necessary, revisions will be made to reflect DOT’s and the City’s comments. A third submittal is presented for final approval.

A stakeholder meeting is conducted to present the developed concept. This presentation includes representation of each sign type, a preliminary wayfinding plan with sign locations and a message schedule. The intent of this session is to achieve final buy-in to the plan. In the event that stakeholder input reveals plausible changes worth consideration, the plan may be refined and submitted to the City for final review and approval.

Mock-ups

We strongly recommend mock-ups be produced and evaluated on site prior to finalizing scaled drawings. This is valuable to assess message legibility and visual relevance to the environment.

Documentation

Engineering analysis is conducted to verify structural integrity, wind load and public safety. Design Intent Drawing are drawn to scale and assembled together with written specifications, a message schedule and location plans suitable for bid acquisition.

Bidding

The final Design Intent Document will be assembled together with City-authored RFP language for issuance, ultimately released by the City. We are present at a pre-bid forum to answer prospective bidder’s questions and to clarify scope and performance protocols. Mayfield Creative continues to receive bidders questions within a fixed time frame. We submit addendum to the City for distribution. Mayfield Creative assists the City in reviewing bid submittals and advises on award considerations.

Design Control Document

The plan is revised to reflect any subtle changes that arise out of contract negotiations and input from bidder’s comments and recommendations. The revised document represents the Design of Record and is used to measure the fabrication progress.

Production Management

After the contract is awarded to a successful Bidder, Mayfield Creative enters into a production management phase. A teleconference between Mayfield Creative, the City and the Sign Contractor is held to reinforce the timeline, approval protocols and a delivery date.

We monitor the production process by reviewing shop drawings and sample submittals. After the product is delivered and installed, We make a last site visit to perform a post installation inspection, called a "punch". A report will be generated advising the City of the condition of the installed product. Once the installation is deemed complete, Mayfield Creative advises the City to release the balance of funds due to the Sign Contractor.