When DGRI kicked off its Wayfinding project I heard many questions along these lines: “Why does Downtown even need wayfinding? People just use their phones to figure out where they’re going.”
- But, but, but… batteries die, phones fail and sometimes towns confuse those maps, too (looking at you Sandusky, OH).
Wayfinding does much more than help people navigate to their destinations – it reinforces a place’s identity, creates more welcoming spaces and is an element of walkable districts.
Why it matters: Highly walkable communities have many benefits:
- Greater economic activity.
- Better business attraction.
- Improved health in residents.
- Increased pedestrian safety.
So, what can you expect from Downtown’s new wayfinding besides new maps?
- Contact information for the Downtown Ambassador program.
- Connectivity between the Skywalk and on-street signage.
- Greater accessibility for people of all abilities.
- QR Codes highlighting Downtown businesses and…
- Digital kiosks that will modernize our wayfinding system.
No matter how people interact with the new wayfinding system, the hope is they look up from their phone and take notice of the amazing things Downtown Grand Rapids has to offer.