Designing Human-Centered Journeys: Design Strategies for Enhancing Wayfinding in Complex Healthcare Environments

Objectives This study explored the perspectives of healthcare designers to identify key design strategies that are adopted to optimize wayfinding in complex healthcare environments, addressing a notable gap in academic literature. Background Wayfinding in healthcare facilities is often challenging for patients, visitors, and staff due to complex layouts and stressful conditions. While academic research has examined specific environmental features, little is known about key strategies formulated and adopted by design practitioners to enhance wayfinding in complex healthcare environments, and how general wayfinding considerations are incorporated in the design process. Methods We conducted semi-structured focus group sessions (n = 34 participants) with experienced healthcare design practitioners. Participants met stringent inclusion criteria, including a minimum of five years of experience and involvement in at least three relevant healthcare projects. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results We put forward a novel framework linking four key design considerations to seven design variables which were mapped to embedded and applied approaches across chronological and spatial dimensions of the design process. Six core wayfinding strategies were identified: simplicity, consistency, spatial hierarchy, orienting cues, ambient cues, and landmarks. We also elucidate divergences between industry perspectives and existing literature, particularly regarding the role of signage and the potential of biophilic design. Conclusion The importance of prioritizing embedded wayfinding strategies early in the design process is highlighted, integrating cultural and contextual relevance, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia to steer research efforts toward more pressing issues.