Pidgin : environmental graphics & social good : an investigation into designing inclusive wayfinding

Abstract

In this thesis, I designed an inclusive wayfinding system for St. Joseph Health Center, an underfunded community clinic in a declining area of Providence, Rhode Island. The clinic serves a local patient population composed predominantly of immigrants with low health literacy and little to no English proficiency. The physical space itself is in decline and under-resourced with a notable lack of interior planning to guide the patient experience. The clinics of St. Joseph Health Center frequently move within the building or shut down altogether. In response, I sought to design a wayfinding system – guided by a thorough research – that demonstrated social inclusivity and demographic sensitivity while suiting the needs of both patients and the fluctuating nature of the institution. Wayfinding systems guide the user experience of places and processes. In medical contexts, a well-designed wayfinding system assists patients as they navigate both the physical and procedural complexities of a medical system. In the context of St. Joseph Health Center, a comprehensive wayfinding creates social equity by assisting otherwise disenfranchised patient populations access and navigate an intimidating medical system not designed for them. In addition to effecting positive emotional impact to create a functional sense of place, excellent wayfinding systems encourage continuity of care and patient compliance.