Class Discussion: Advanced Graphic Design

Campus Wayfinding Class Project Takes SJSU in a New Direction

Photo: Christina Olivas

Call it “kiosk confusion.” Symptoms may include craning of the neck, darting glances in search of an obvious landmark and dubious pathway tracing on the campus map. Then comes second-guessing and, finally, a request for backup: “Do you know where I can find visitor information?”

Every day, members of the university community and campus visitors exhibit these symptoms as they attempt to navigate SJSU’s changing campus. To eradicate “kiosk confusion,” SJSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs sponsored a class project to develop improved kiosks, campus maps, directional and building signage and apps that help everyone find their way around campus.

In Professor Chang Kim’s graphic design class, 10 student teams were assigned to different buildings and areas of campus to conduct research and user testing with the goal of developing campus-wide solutions that can adapt to the university’s changing needs—especially as new structures and spaces are built.

While there’s still more to do, the students’ research and proposed solutions will help the campus community move in the right direction.

The class project has sparked discussion and collaboration across campus—including Athletics, Facilities, Operations and Development, University Police Department, Student Affairs and University Advancement. Funds for sponsored class projects directly support the graphic design program and its students.