5 Ways Digital Wayfinding in Malls Increases Accessibility

Navigation, reassurance, comfortability – these are just a few of the qualities mall visitors can take away from successful digital wayfinding strategies.

While interactive wayfinding software does wonders for adhering to the navigational needs of shoppers, there are a number of other accommodative features digital wayfinding stations can provide users, accessibility being a significant one of them.

The mall is home to shoppers of all varying demographics. Some visitors are elderly while others are young and easily impressionable. Some shoppers may be living with disabilities, while others are from out of town, or even out of the country.

The point is, every shopper has their own individual needs and concerns when visiting any given mall, which is why it’s important to offer them every advantage possible that can contribute to a pleasant mall experience. But how exactly does digital wayfinding provide more accessible solutions for mall shoppers?

Here are five specific examples of how digital wayfinding strategies can work toward making your mall more accessible to shoppers of all walks of life.

1. Indoor Map Routing

While malls come in all shapes, sizes, and stores, one thing they certainly have in common is how massive they are. This sizable trait can prove to be quite intimidating for some shoppers, not to mention confusing.

That’s where a proficient digital wayfinding network comes in handy, allowing users the opportunity to map out their way throughout all the different levels, stores, and buildings a mall has to offer.

Indoor map routing also provides a more personalized shopping experience for mall visitors, presenting them the chance to carve out their day and determine how they can make the most of their time spent at the mall.

When shoppers can better visualize their shopping routes with detailed indoor mapping services, it not only increases accessibility, but soothes any navigation-related nerves.

2. Multilingual Wayfinding

True accessibility means providing navigational and informational solutions to shoppers of all backgrounds and demographics.

With digital wayfinding technologies, such as digital signage displays or interactive kiosk booths, you can offer foreign or visually impaired shoppers language-specific solutions to help them effectively understand their surroundings.

Whether offered in audio format for the blind or in any language, having all of these options available with every digital wayfinding resource at your mall will do wonders for increasing your overall accessibility.

3) Smartphone Compatibility

It’s safe to say that essentially everyone who sets foot within any mall’s premises is packing a smartphone within their pocket or purse, so why not cater to the masses then?

From scannable QR codes to mobile mall app development, creating more smartphone compatible options for visitors to explore wayfinding resources is a surefire way to enhance your mall’s accessibility.

You can also utilize smartphone synchronization for more branding opportunities, allowing shoppers to stay in-the-loop on any updates or upcoming events.

4. Detailed Descriptions

A common misconception of digital wayfinding services is that they’re purely intended for navigational purposes only. While navigational assistance is certainly a primary feature of digital wayfinding services, they also allow for users to get a better understanding of wherever it is they wish to explore, by providing accompanying detailed descriptions and essential information.

For example, say a shopper wants to find a specific style of cuisine while dining at the mall. A few swipes on a digital wayfinding touch screen will not only guide them in the direction of their preferred restaurant destination, but also allow them to view the menu, check out online reviews, and see images of the layout before making their final dining decision.

It’s the little things such as detailed descriptions that quickly add up for providing a more accessible mall environment.

5. Convenient Assistance

At the end of the day, providing shoppers with more convenient options for getting around and answering any questions they may have is the ultimate path toward improving accessibility.

Many shoppers don’t want to have to seek out assistance to personally steer them in the right direction. But having designated digital wayfinding stations strategically located throughout the mall are easy and accessible resources for helping shoppers find their way around, as well as provide them with any answers they need.

Enhanced Accessibility Through Digital Wayfinding Strategies

Improving the shopper experience starts with creating more accessible solutions for visitors to take advantage of. At Oppna Digital, we have vast experience in providing professional mall wayfinding services, specifically catered to enhance accessibility.

Contact us today to learn more about our digital wayfinding solutions and get started creating a more inviting mall environment!