World’s Worst Wayfinding
First, the thing that Kaiser has posted nowhere on the Internet, a building number guide:
Building 1: Ensenada
Building 2: Cerritos
Building 3: Briones
Building 4: Alhambra
Building 5: Del Monte
Building 6: Hacienda
There is apparently a “You Are Here” map somewhere on campus; I found a fuzzy picture on the Internet after a 10-minute search. I have never seen the map while driving around the campus, searching for a building. Kaiser has not posted a campus map on the Internet anywhere I can find, and after 30 years as a computer journalist, I am a pretty good searcher.
How much would it cost to have more than one such map? Perhaps one in each outdoor parking lot?
Where to begin? The complete and total incompetence of the wayfinding here is breathtaking. Worst I’ve seen in 70 years, and I have tried to find my way in New York’s Penn Station as a tourist. Some have called that the worst wayfinding in the world, but they haven’t been to Kaiser Martinez.
THE FUNDMENTAL CONFUSION
The buildings are named, all the directional signs on campus use building numbers.
A SIMPLE SOLUTION
It would cost nothing for Kaiser to modify their reminder notices. Instead of simply saying your appointment is in the “Ensenada Building,” The notice could say “Ensanada Building 1.”
A MORE COMPLEX SOLUTION
Change the signs so they include the building names.
INDOOR WAYFINDING
Some of the indoors wayfinding approaches competence. A quick study of the science of wayfinding indicates “reassurance” signs, which tell people they are still on the right path, are helpful. Walnut Creek Kaiser does a great job of this. Martinez Kaiser? Not so much. Try finding acupuncture. Is it pain relief? I guess so. How much would it cost to put up a few more signs?