Investigation of wayfinding elements in graphic design area

In our world, which is developing and growing day by day, due to the complexity of the places we are in, the humanities seriously needed the wayfinding and directional signs. In the face of this situation, people use wayfinding and directional signs to solve the problems that cause confusion and anxiety. One of these is experience finding method. Therefore, with the experience finding method, any visitor benefits from the wayfinding signs through using the right information at the right time, making plans from his mind to reduce any sense of confusion and stress. Although the importance of wayfinding and signage systems has been determined in residential areas such as healthcare facilities, public areas, campuses and city centers, many visitors often face problems in finding a route. The wayfinding and signage systems are considered as the result of the problems that visitors encounter in finding their route. The wayfinding designs involves important processes that guide us from one place to another. The function of the wayfinding and signage systems is to ensure that people reach their targets first. Successful wayfinding systems are realize with the ability of the individual to perceive, interpret and use environmental information about the field. While taking a walk, the person has a certain destination in mind and a return plan. The important thing is to ensure that travelers can reach their destination without any problem. Because people want to make sure where they are or what path they need to use to reach their goals. When they fail to achieve this, negative results occur. In addition to this, the wayfinding system prepared by going through the graphic design process may contain more than just a sign. When we think of the color, light, material, texture and form that make up the image indoors and outdoors, one of them will contribute to our finding faster and more effectively. As the people living in social spaces, the processes of signs and visuals that help us guide ourselves in established environments should be explained well. So how should a good wayfinding and signage designs be? What are the criteria to be followed during the design phase? Do colors have an effect on users? What are the elements used in wayfinding designs? Various researches have been searching answers to such questions. In this thesis, firstly, the processes, planning and arrangement of the elements in terms of graphic design of wayfinding, marking studies will be emphasized. Then, literature review, computer applications as well as interviews related to the subjects will be covered. The thesis will be completed with the application examples of the wayfinding graphic design of the "Istanbul Historical Peninsula".