Factors that influence ease of wayfinding in a hospital setting

Abstract

This study examined the ease of wayfinding and place legibility as constructs for improving hospital experiences for patients and visitors in a health care setting. People differences, such as gender, had an impact on wayfinding and place legibility. Specifically, the study examined: (1) the relationship between 'place legibility' and the 'ease of wayfinding'; and, (2) Is gender related to 'place legibility' and the 'ease of wayfinding.' The quantitative-methods analyses are based on data collected from 90 participants at a Midwestern university conducted entirely in a large level 1 Trauma Center. The results indicate that context mediates the extent to which gender is identifiable through the ease of wayfinding and place legibility. The results indicate that there are few differences in wayfinding performance among genders. However, results indicate significant differences in the use of Lynch's elements of the Physical Environment between genders.