Wegvinden

Wegvinden refers to the process of determining and following a route from a starting point to a destination, using environmental cues, memory, and planning. In Dutch, the term is used in psychology, architecture, and urban planning to describe navigation in built or natural environments.

The concept encompasses orientation (determining position and heading), route choice, and navigation in unfamiliar settings. Effective wegvinden relies on legible environments: clear signage, recognizable landmarks, logical spatial layouts, and predictable transitions between spaces.

Theoretical foundations include cognitive maps, introduced by Tolman, and Kevin Lynch's five elements—paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks—that support waypoint orientation. Modern work also integrates digital tools and multimodal cues such as auditory and tactile signals.

Design and practice involve signage systems, maps, floor plans, and architectural features that guide movement. Principles include readability, consistency, color and typography, and accessibility for people with disabilities. Digital aids like apps and beacons complement physical cues.

Applications span hospitals, airports, campuses, museums, and public spaces, where good wegvinden reduces disorientation, increases safety, and improves efficiency. Evaluation methods include user testing, observation of navigation errors, time to destination, and the effectiveness of signs and layout.