Springer Community Wayfinding: Pathways to Understanding

This book examines wayfinding from a broad public health perspective and articulates what needs to be done to create better wayfinding for all people regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. Addressing both science and the human experience, the book brings together a group of international experts to examine community wayfinding from a variety of viewpoints.  It first presents a critical foundation for understanding wayfinding from an individual perspective. Next, it describes relevant design principles and practices by drawing upon architecture, environmental graphic design, universal design (UD), and urban planning. The book then goes on to examine wayfinding tools and innovative technologies ranging from maps to apps to complex systems. In addition, coverage includes case studies, lessons from wayfinding improvement initiatives, and recommendations for future research, practice, and policy.  Overall, the book focuses on the economic and commercial benefits of good wayfinding, its potential impact on the health of individuals and communities, as well as strategies for the journey ahead. It will appeal to numerous professionals across many disciplines from architecture and cartography to public health and urban planning. Additionally, the book can help advance a dialogue among those interested in enhancing the livability of their communities. From the Back Cover This book examines wayfinding from a broad public health perspective and articulates what needs to be done to create better wayfinding for all people regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. Addressing both science and the human experience, the book brings together a group of international experts to examine community wayfinding from a variety of viewpoints.  It first presents a critical foundation for understanding wayfinding from an individual perspective. Next, it describes relevant design principles and practices by drawing upon architecture, environmental graphic design, universal design (UD), and urban planning. The book then goes on to examine wayfinding tools and innovative technologies ranging from maps to apps to complex systems. In addition, coverage includes case studies, lessons from wayfinding improvement initiatives, and recommendations for future research, practice, and policy.  Overall, the book focuses on the economic and commercial benefits of good wayfinding, its potential impact on the health of individuals and communities, as well as strategies for the journey ahead. It will appeal to numerous professionals across many disciplines from architecture and cartography to public health and urban planning. Additionally, the book can help advance a dialogue among those interested in enhancing the livability of their communities. About the Author Rebecca H. Hunter, MEd has over 25 years of experience in research, teaching and community service roles at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently affiliated with the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, her expertise falls largely into the categories of mobility, aging and the built environment. Most recently, she led a series of initiatives pertaining to community wayfinding to articulate the relationship between public health and wayfinding and to develop a blueprint for research, practice and policy. She has also actively engaged in research translation and dissemination, collaborating with practitioners, policy makers and researchers in diverse fields such as planning, transportation, architecture, universal design, aging services, engineering, healthcare and public health.  Lynda A. Anderson, PhD, has worked in the field of aging and public health for over 30 years. She retired from federal service in 2015 having worked at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 23 years, 10 years as the Director for Healthy Aging. She has more than 150 publications and is a co