How Do I Make a Wayfinder App?

by Mitch Tor | Last Updated: Sep 9, 2022

You're looking to build a wayfinder app but aren't sure where to start? Don't worry, this blog will take you through the different options available from points A to Z. Before we start, what is wayfinding and how can wayfinder apps help your business?

What is Wayfinding?

Wayfinding is the process of finding your way from one place to another. It can be used in physical spaces like shopping malls, hospitals, airports, and city streets. It can also be used in digital spaces like websites and apps. How many times have you been walking around a shopping mall looking for a kiosk so you can finally track down the last items on your shopping list? What about the last time you were in a hospital? Was it easy to make your way, or were you turned around by all the commotion making it difficult to locate your appointment? These aren't uncommon problems when it comes to wayfinding. The limitations of physical signs and people's attention make it difficult to communicate with your customers and clients about locations in your building or space. This is where wayfinder apps come in to help make the process much easier for everyone.

What are Wayfinder Apps?

Wayfinder apps are digital maps that help people find their way around a physical space. They can be used on your website, in your app, or as a standalone app. Many different features can be included in a wayfinder app. The most basic feature is a map of the area with locations marked. More advanced features can include turn-by-turn directions, searchable directories, and integration with other systems like calendars and ticketing. These apps provide powerful solutions to the problems created by physical wayfinding alone. They can help you communicate with your customers and clients, reduce frustration, and even increase sales. Some of the benefits of wayfinder apps are:

They can be used to direct people to specific locations within a building or space.
They can be used to provide turn-by-turn directions to help people find their way around.
They can be used to help people find specific businesses, shops, or services within a space.
They can be used to provide information about events or promotions happening in a space.
They can be integrated with other systems like calendars and ticketing to provide a seamless experience.

What Makes a Good Wayfinder App?

There are a few things to consider when you're looking at different wayfinder apps. The first is the accuracy of the map. The app must use high-quality data so that it can provide accurate directions and locations. Another important consideration is the user interface and design. The app should be easy to use and understand. The last thing you want is for your customers to get frustrated and give up while trying to find their way. Finally, you'll want to consider the features that are included in the app. As we mentioned before, there are a few basic features that all apps should have. But depending on your business, there may be other features that would be helpful for your customers. For example, if you're a hospital, you may want to include information about visiting hours and restrictions. Or if you're an airport, you might want to include flight information and gates.

How to Build a Wayfinder App

Now that you know what to look for in a wayfinder app, you're ready to start building your own. If you have the development resources available, you can build the app yourself. But if you don't have the time or expertise, there are a few different options available. One option is to use a wayfinding platform like Micello or MapsIndoors. These platforms provide the map data and user interface that you need to get started. They also offer a variety of features that you can add on, like integration with other systems and analytics. Another option is to use a digital experience platform like Lumavate. With a platform like Lumavate, all you have to do is provide your map data. The platform takes care of the rest, including the user interface, hosting, and management. Another benefit of using a DXP like Lumavate is that you can build any other digital experience for your company on the same platform. This includes things like loyalty programs, employee productivity tools, and customer portals. If you're looking for a way to improve the customer experience at your business, a wayfinder app is a great place to start. With the right app, you can reduce frustration, increase sales, and even provide better customer service. If you want to learn more about how to build a wayfinder app, check out our blog post on the subject. We go into more detail about the different options and considerations for building an app. If you'd rather get right to the point, then you can start building our own wayfinder app today using the Lumavate wayfinder template.

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