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Joining the likes of major metropolitan airports and museums, MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland leads the healthcare field in the adoption of new wayfinding strategies.
During a recent renovation, the Medical Center made it possible for visitors to view online internal building maps by scanning a quick response (QR) code with their mobile phone or device. The new codes are posted throughout the facility on selected signs and near elevators. Scanning a code will bring up a map of the area where the visitor is standing. The same maps appear on the Medical Center’s web site. This reduces the amount of paper used to have maps available throughout the building.
The online maps are one of several innovative features intentionally selected to make the Medical Center easier to navigate. Other wayfinding tools incorporated into the facility’s design include visual themes on each patient floor – earth, water, light and orchard – and elevators named after birds or trees. Some larger art pieces also serve as “landmarks” at key building locations.
Much like the Google internal maps beta project which allows users to bill down from a satellite view into indoor maps, MidMichigan’s QR code approach puts the visitor in charge.
Technically speaking, Mark Kawiecki, from MidMichigan’s agency partner, ClearRiver Advertising and Marketing, shares, “The QR sticker material is referred to as flexcon, which is actually an adhesive-backed vinyl material. The technical name is ‘DPM® FWS WHITE VINYL HI-PERF ADHESIVE SHEET.’ It is semi-gloss, and is often used in outdoor applications, however, we really liked it for the stickers because of its durability and because it had 'just the right amount' of adhesive (not under or overly sticky).”
Says MidMichigan Vice President for Facilities and Construction, Mike Erickson, “Including QR codes on our internal signs is another easy way to help people navigate in an inherently complex environment like this. QR codes are used in more and more places, so the internal Medical Center signage is a great extension of this approach, and one where we can track our ROI with online metrics.”
Those who would like more information about finding their way at MidMichigan Medical Center–Midland may visit www.midmichigan.org/maps, or type “wayfinding” in the search box. A brochure including a campus map and several Medical Center floor maps may also be requested by calling MidMichigan Health Line at (989) 839-3199.
