Out of all this rather esoteric research and writing have come some general principles which can be used by designers and clients on design projects. As stated here, they can apply to many different building types, but specific differences exist for special types such as hospitals, airports, retails malls, etc.

1. Wayfinding in buildings and groups of buildings is most affected by the logic of the architectural arrangement and design. The apparent logic of how a group of buildings or spaces is arranged affects the user's ability to understand and remember where he is in the environment. Visual dominance of entrances, definition of public space from private space, the ability to visually separate one functional zone from another, all play an important role in being able to navigate the space.

2. The naming, numbering and general organization of the parts of a building is a critical, organizational aspect of a wayfinding plan. Floor numbering, dedicatory names vs common names, departmental names, stall numbering, and room numbering must be carefully considered when preparing message lists for use on signs and when publishing brochures. Clear, logical hierarchies must exist to help users remember and use the nomenclature. Symbols, identity, and foreign language also play an important role.

3. People using the environment bring with them unique abilities, limitations, and memories about navigating which must be accommodated by any overall wayfinding strategy. The number of repeat visitors, sight and mobility limitations, emotional state of the user, and whether the facility is entirely new or a revision to an early facility all must be taken into account when developing a wayfinding plan. Special needs populations, cultural and ethnic minorities, ESL groups, and the elderly all must be able to use the facility with a mininum of assistance.

4. All public information such as brochures, mailers, news ads, radio/TV ads and even informal hand-outs become part of the user's information on how to use the environment. All forms of public information must be consistent in their representations about the faciltity in order for communication to be clear; published maps must agree with facility maps, driving instructions must agree with how the facility is actually accessed, and type size & contrast must all be legible.

5. Direction-giving by staff and other occupants of the building are an essential part of the user's environmental influences and must be organized and trained wherever possible. An explanation of how the signs and other wayfinding devices are intended to work can help staff give clearer, more helpful directions. Training sessions which teach proper nomenclature, how to assess the special needs of the user, and practice sessions on direction-giving all contribute to a comprehensive wayfinding plan.

6. A clear, organized set of sign elements can be the most cost-effective solution to wayfinding improvements in an existing building. However, only when the other issues above are well-understood can such conventional devices as signs and directories be employed as part of the solution. Related graphic devices such as wall and floor graphics, strategic placement of sculpture, art programs, and computerized information kiosks are all potential elements in a successful wayfinding plan.