Wayfinding in the airports has always been a necessity for guiding guests and travelers through the terminals. Whether they are trying to find a technology stop, looking for a place to eat, or pick up some last minute necessities, airports need to provide wayfinding that is as efficient as possible to guide travelers easily to their destinations. Digital signage offers a more comprehensive and detailed selection for wayfinding than traditional print maps. By using cutting edge technology, digital signage can efficiently and more clearly, direct guests to find their desired destinations.
Utilizing Interactive Kiosks
A simple and excellent choice for airports, interactive kiosks, can provide excellent wayfinding for travelers. For instance, say a guest is looking for a restaurant or café within the airport before heading to their respective terminal. The guest can approach a kiosk and several options can be provided to the guest to search for a place to eat. The kiosks can be programed to provide a 3D map where it informs the traveler of what is immediately in their vicinity, as well as the rest of the airport. Kiosks can also provide a search option and a browse by category option to guests as well. Once the guest has made their selection, the kiosk will then show on the 3D map how to navigate the airport to arrive at their desired target. The kiosk would have a button on the digital real estate to provide the detailed map to be sent to them via text or email.
Take Wayfinding to another level by employing Bluetooth
As discussed before, interactive kiosks can provide excellent wayfinding. However, when paired with Bluetooth beacons the task of wayfinding is easier and delivers a more interactive experience. These two phenomenal tools can provide step-by-step navigation that will efficiently guide guests to their destinations using their mobile devices. The guest starts the wayfinding process by approaching a kiosk within the airport as mentioned before. The guest can search through a directory or type a specific place on the digital real estate of the kiosk to find their desired destination. Once the person has chosen a specific location, the kiosk will show a detailed route of how to reach the specific location.
The Bluetooth beacons would then take over the responsibility of guiding the traveler to their destination especially with guests navigating complex airports. Having them installed throughout the entire airport, the Bluetooth beacons are sensors that transmit their location to any mobile device that passes in front of it. The data would then be displayed on the mobile device or if so desired, the guest can use a customized mobile app that the airport had built. As the guest walks closer to their destination, the beacons would guide the guest step by step until they reach their destination.
Digital signage is an amazing tool for airports to assist guests with wayfinding. Whether it is using the interactive kiosk to provide a simple and quick solution, or combining the interactive kiosk with Bluetooth beacons and the guest’s mobile device; the task of wayfinding becomes an easier and more enjoyable experience for travelers.
Intermedia Touch is a member of the Digital Signage Federation, the only independent, not-for-profit trade organization serving the digital signage industry. The DSF supports and promotes the common business interests of worldwide digital signage, interactive technologies and digital out-of-home network industries. To learn more, go to www.digitalsignagefederation.org
Alejandro Villa is part of the marketing and media team at Intermedia Touch Inc. He has been working for Intermedia Touch since May 2016 and has worked as a freelance writer since 2015. Alejandro graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English specializing in creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Currently Alejandro Villa resides in Miami, Florida.
