Visitors were often lost and asking staff for directions – the Centre’s visitor guide and map was confusing, frustrating and unusable. Recognizing this deficiency, the Ontario Science Centre looked to Public Good to design and develop a more effective wayfinding and directional map. To represent the Centre’s complex multi-level modern structure, Public Good utilized a bird’s eye, 3D perspective view to help visitors situate themselves in the building.

Applying wayfinding principles, the new design would consider: visitor site lines, orientation and land-marking, proximity and scale, colour-coded identification and illustrative 3D layering. The resulting map focus group tested well and was launched with a new and more functional design layout for the guide. Visitor response was exceptional and positive. Overall customer experience was improved and navigating the Centre no longer an issue.

The Centre’s visitor survey confirmed that all visitors found the new map more helpful than the previous and most visitors could easily orient themselves around the building.