Landmarks, Signposts and Kiosks

by: Jeff Williams

Several years ago I had the privilege to work at a large hospital complex. The medical center campus covered several city blocks and was in the midst of a construction program that doubled the number of buildings between 2001 and 2003. Many of the structures were interconnected and the architecture incorporated large spaces and wide hallways. You could tell that the designers wanted a great deal of visual impact and openness.

With the large floor plan, shear number of buildings with their multiple levels and web of enclosed sky bridges, hallways and escalators – it would be quite easy to get lost. To help visitors, patients and workers navigate to a destination the architects and interior designers created themed areas in each of the major sections of the campus. One area featured a large Tree Sculpture that soared from the ground floor to the ceiling several stories up. Another had a large Aquarium. Others were named The Art Gallery, The Fountain, and Sundial - each with their associated design feature. While serving as navigation aids these sites were also places you wanted to go to and enjoy. Once you knew that your destination was near one of these landmarks you could then follow colored symbols of each landmark like signposts letting you know you were heading in the right direction.

The landmarks and signposts guided you along your way but another useful tool were the many kiosk stations that displayed interactive digital maps showing your current location and a clear map of the area. These “you are here” kiosk sites provided a quick view of your relative position compared to your ultimate destination.

Now let’s look at the elements above and think about our corporate destination. Like the landmarks at the medical center, do you have a clearly defined destination and milestones to help you know how close you are? Have you created something that clearly communicates the goals, objectives, dreams and visions that have been set for the company? Does everyone see these landmarks as places that they will enjoy and are they excited about the trip? I know when I walked through the buildings at the hospital, I felt good. Not just because I wasn’t lost, the design did give me confidence, but because the spaces were enjoyable. How can you take the elements of Landmarks, Signposts and Kiosks and design a landmark vision, a clear well marked and planned path and “you are here” maps so everyone in your organization knows where they are in relationship to the vision objectives and their own personal goals?

The ultimate destination can be anything you dream of! Make sure everyone knows where that is, where they are and give them the information and tools they need to get there.