Wayfinder

Wayfinder refers to a person, device, or system that helps locate a destination or determine a path. The term is often used for someone who navigates or guides others, such as an experienced traveler or mentor. In the field of wayfinding, it describes the design of environmental cues—signs, maps, color schemes, typography, and architectural layout—that help people orient themselves and move efficiently through complex spaces such as airports, hospitals, campuses, and urban environments. Effective wayfinding aims to align information presentation with how people perceive space, while incorporating accessibility considerations and standard practices.

In technology and digital media, wayfinding covers GPS navigation, indoor positioning systems, mobile apps, and augmented reality tools that provide directions, routes tailored to user needs, or contextual information about surroundings. Wayfinding interfaces prioritize legibility, consistency, and low cognitive load to assist users during navigation.

In popular culture, Wayfinder has been used as a title or character name in various media, including books, films, and video games. The term is also employed in branding for products and services that assist navigation, discovery, or orientation, spanning signs, maps, and digital platforms.

See also: Wayfinding, navigation, signage, beacon.