WAYFINDING
WOLFE ISLAND TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
LOCATION
Kingston, ON
DURATION
1 Week
ROLE
Information Architect
Background
This project is focused on wayfinding on Wolfe Island, which involves helping visitors navigate the island and find their way to the tourist information center. Wayfinding is the process of navigating through an environment using visual cues and other sensory information to determine one's location and destination. By incorporating best practices and strategies for wayfinding, this project aims to create an intuitive and user-friendly experience for visitors, making it easy for them to navigate and find what they are looking for on Wolfe Island.​
My Journey
01
I chose to visit Wolfe Island in Kingston because I was new to Kingston, and I had not explored most of the town. Hence my experience was from the eyes of a newcomer.
02
I chose Wolfe Island Tourist Information Centre as my destination because:
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It involved taking a variety of transportation hence the possibility of a wide variety of Signage
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To go through the experience myself and document the challenges
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Demonstrate the gaps in signage were needed
03
I spent 6 hours conducting primary research which involved taking the bus, taking a ferry to the island and back, and navigating the island on foot.
04
My main goal was to navigate and document through signage available in the Kingston area, report the shortcomings, and make some reccomendations.
BRIEF HISTORY
Wolfe Island is situated across from the City of Kingston and serves as a natural boundary between the shores of Canada and the United States at the entrance to the St. Lawrence River. The island is approximately 20 miles long and varies in width from one to seven miles, covering more than 30,000 acres of fertile land. It is the largest of the Thousand Islands and separates the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, with the Canal Channel located on its southern side. Due to its strategic location, Wolfe Island is often referred to as the gateway to the Seaway.
FERRY
Wolfe Island Is Only Accessible By Ferry/ Cruise Which Leaves From Downtown. People Can Bring Their Own Vehicles And Drive Them Onto The Ferry To Take Them To Wolfe Island.
ON FOOT
I divided the journey into two parts and did some prior research on how to reach my destination by bus, ferry and on foot. I also studied the map of wolfe island and memorized the way to marysville.
The Journey
By Bus
By Foot
Walk to York Bus stop across the street
Take Bus number 701 to Downtown Transfer Point
Turn back and take the first left
Spot Shopper's Drug Mart
Walk Straight on Princess Street for Three blocks crossing Kings Street and Ontario Street
Spot Cornerstone and take a Left
Walk straight by subway (Eating Joint) and spot Flo Charging station across the road
Take the slip road exit opposite to flo charging stations and arrive at Wolfe Island Ferry terminal.
By Ferry
Ride the Ferry from Kingston to Marysville Port
Get off at port on Center Street in Marysville
By Foot
Walk Straight and take the first right onto Main Street.
Spot Fargo General Store and walk towards Summer Dock Massage Therapy Center
Walk 50mtrs and spot Townhall
Your Destination Wolfe Island Tourism Information Centre is on the left right next to the Town hall
Expected User Flow
Before visiting the Wolfe Island Tourist Information Centre, I put myself in the shoes of a user like me and brainstormed the steps I would take to accomplish my goal. This involved considering my needs, motivations, and potential actions throughout the process.
Firstly, I would start by conducting preliminary research online. I would use search engines, tourism websites, and social media platforms to gather information about Wolfe Island and its attractions. This initial phase would allow me to get a general understanding of the destination and start forming expectations.
Target Audience
The project aims to cater to the needs of different groups of people, including college students, families, island residents, couples, and tourists. By providing a user-friendly and intuitive wayfinding system, the project seeks to make it easy for visitors to navigate the island and find its attractions. The system is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the project's efforts.
College students
Families
Island Residents
Tourists
Primary User Profile
Name: Emily
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Occupation: Student
Location: York bus station, close to Downtown, Kingston Transportation: Uses the bus on a weekly basis
Familiarity with the city: Not familiar
Navigation tool: Google Maps
Preferred mode of transportation: Walking
Interests and Hobbies: Photography, Cycling, Listening to music, Traveling, Reading books
Behavioral Characteristics
Adventure
Sports
Cycling
Beach
Swimming
Local Food
Literature Review
This literature review focuses on evaluating the information architecture and wayfinding aspects of the Wolfe Island website as a crucial gateway for visitors seeking information about the navigation of Wolfe Island. By examining the website's structure and navigation, we aim to understand its effectiveness in providing clear and comprehensive information that helps users plan their visit and navigate the island successfully.
Findings
Outdated Website
The official website of the organization has not been updated since 2019, indicating a lack of regular maintenance and updates. This can lead to outdated information being presented to users, which may affect their experience and the accuracy of the provided information.
Lack of Covid-19 Information
The website does not provide any information related to Covid-19 restrictions or guidelines. Given the current global pandemic, it is crucial for users to have access to up-to-date information on safety measures, closures, and changes in services. The absence of such information on the website may result in confusion and potential inconvenience for visitors.
Old Map
The available map on the website is outdated and may not accurately reflect the current state of the area. This can be problematic for users who rely on the map to navigate and find their way around. A more up-to-date and detailed map would greatly enhance the user experience and ensure accurate information for visitors.
Comprehensive Event Guide
The website provides detailed information regarding local events, festivals, and activities. This is beneficial for users who are interested in exploring the cultural and entertainment offerings of the area. Having comprehensive and up-to-date event listings can attract visitors and enhance their overall experience.
Local History
The website offers information about the local history, which can be valuable for users who are interested in learning about the heritage and background of the destination. Providing engaging and informative content about the local history adds depth to the user experience and promotes a deeper connection with the community.
Accommodation and Biking Routes
The website includes information about accommodation options and biking routes in the area. This is helpful for users who are looking for places to stay and for those who want to explore the destination through biking. The availability of such information facilitates trip planning and enhances the overall visitor experience.
Challenges Encountered
These obstacles underscore the significance of enhancing the infrastructure for wayfinding, ensuring the availability of clear signs, and establishing dependable transportation choices. These measures are crucial for enhancing the overall visitor experience and facilitating smooth navigation across Wolfe Island.
Information Hierarchy
Main User Paths to Wolf Island Ferry
Cab to Ferry
Cab to Ferry
Bus to Ferry
Walk to Ferry
Drive to Ferry
Bike to Ferry
Main User Paths to Marysville
Ferry to Shuttle
Ferry to Kayak
Walk from Ferry
Ferry to skate
Ferry to Bike
Detailed User Path - To Ferry
START - Division Street, Kingston
Walk to York Bus stop across the street
Take Bus number 701 to Downtown Transfer Point
Turn back and take the first left
Spot Shopper's Drug Mart
Walk Straight on Princess Street for Three blocks crossing Kings Street and Ontario Street
Spot Cornerstone and take a Left
Walk straight by subway (Eating Joint) and spot Flo Charging station across the road
Take the slip road exit opposite to flo charging stations and arrive at Wolfe Island Ferry terminal.
Detailed User Path - To Marysville
Ride the Ferry
Get off at Dawson Point instead of Marysville Port
Start walking straight on the highway
Keep walking on the main highway past Joy Road (Signage missing)
Walk 2.5 Km
Turn right onto County Road 96 (Signage missing)
Walk for 2.5 km straight past 8th line road and 7th line road
Spot Moosehead Bed and Breakfast and keep walking straight
Spot Town Hall and your destination is on your left
Go back the same way
Observations
These observations highlight the need for improvements in information provision, transportation services, amenities, and signage infrastructure to enhance the wayfinding experience for visitors to Wolfe Island. By addressing these observations, the island can provide a more seamless and enjoyable navigation experience for its visitors.
Signage Designs and Improvements - Annotations
I have used annotations to provide recommendations because I wanted to provide additional context, clarification, and resources related to my experience as a user. Annotations have also been used to provide feedback or suggestions for improvement, which can be helpful for future revisions.
Reflection
Reflecting on the challenges faced while wayfinding in Wolfe Island, it is clear that there are significant areas that require attention and improvement. The data highlights the impact of inadequate information, limited transportation options, and a lack of essential amenities on the overall visitor experience. These challenges underscore the importance of enhancing the wayfinding infrastructure, ensuring the availability of accurate and up-to-date information, and improving signage throughout the island. By addressing these issues, Wolfe Island can create a more welcoming and accessible environment for visitors, enhancing their overall satisfaction and enjoyment.