El Paso VA Medical Center
Branding primary corridors and optimizing information hierarchy at El Paso VA Medical Center.
El Paso, TX
Solving Complex Wayfinding Challenges
at El Paso VAMC
at El Paso VAMC
El Paso VA Health Care System presented several unique wayfinding challenges that contributed to patients and visitors getting lost. The facility’s main entrance is on the 3rd Floor, primary corridors looked similar, and directional signs showed long confusing lists of destinations. Working closely with a dedicated signage partner allowed El Paso VAHCS to meet these challenges and simplify the Veteran’s journey throughout the facility.
Clearly Identify Levels: at all elevator banks and on directional signage, and by naming the 3rd Floor “Main Level”.
Brand the 2 Primary Corridors: increasing spatial awareness. Naming them “East Corridor” and “West Corridor” with complementary colors creates a clear distinction between the two parallel hallways. This also ties into local nomenclature as the axis of the facility runs parallel to the Franklin mountain range that bisects El Paso into East and West sides.
Use an Eye-Catching Design System: to highlight corridor branding. Compass graphics in the background relate to the East/West name of both corridors with updatable wayfinding components layered on the surface.
Reduce Long Lists: using principles of progressive disclosure and working closely with leadership to display only the most relevant destinations on signage.
Highlighting Primary Elevator Banks: that have two sides ‘A Side’ and ‘B Side’ with architectural letters and large panels. Many of the elevator banks are tucked into alcoves which made it difficult to give directions.
Utilize Digital Wayfinding: with touchscreen displays in the main lobby and online maps created in collaboration with MedMaps.
