An Orientation System for the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Travel information
For individual travel planning to FHP, participants wanted to be able to find information on how to get to the campus more easily on the website.

Campus life
Many participants felt that making service/well-being offers such as advice centres, quiet areas, etc. visible was very important, also for planning in advance.

Labelling FHP
Clear and visible labelling of the university using the FH;P logo was considered necessary. This should be clearly recognisable at all important entrances to the campus.

Parking facilities
The labelling and location of parking spaces for bicycles and cars were considered to be in need of improvement. Clearer signposting of car parks was suggested.

Inclusive site plans
Many participants expressed the desire for clear, inclusive site plans that include both digital and physical formats. These maps should provide an overview of buildings, services, facilities and barrier markings on campus as well as their own location at all relevant entrances.

Information boards
Information boards were mentioned as an important source of information. It was suggested that detailed information on the individual buildings, services, facilities and contact persons should be provided. This information should be easily accessible and easy to understand.

Events
The desire to present information on current events right at the entrances was mentioned several times. This was seen as an effective way of improving communication and increasing the visibility of campus events.

Barrier-free access
The marking of the entrances to the campus and the individual buildings was rated as in need of improvement. Clear signage that is also easy to read for people with disabilities was suggested. Barrier-free access to all buildings and areas of the campus was described as essential.

Automatic doors
Labelled automatic doors were mentioned as a necessary measure to improve accessibility on campus. They facilitate access for people with physical disabilities.

Service information
Information on all service facilities should be centrally available and easily accessible. It was recommended that this be provided in several languages and with symbols.

Barrier labelling
Clear barrier labelling should be provided at all relevant points to make it easier for people with disabilities to find their way around.

Buildings
Labelling the buildings was a major concern for many participants. Building labelling should be large, clear and easily recognisable, even from a distance.

Signposts
The signposts should be clear, clearly visible and strategically distributed to make it easy to find the way to buildings and facilities. Large and colourful signs with information on buildings, departments and facilities were suggested.

Ground guidance system
A ground guidance system was mentioned by the participants as very helpful for orientation on campus. Above all, such a system should be inclusive and colourful for everyone and can support people with visual impairments in particular on their way.

Orientation inside
In addition to the signage system on campus, the participants also wanted a connected system inside the buildings. There was a demand for floor plans and information boards to ensure better orientation indoors.

Colours
A colourful and inclusive design of the campus was rated as particularly positive. According to the participants, this promotes an inviting and open environment that is easy to navigate.

Light
The use of light was mentioned as particularly important in relation to dark corridors in the buildings and the campus at night.

AR guidance system
An augmented reality (AR) guidance system was suggested as an innovative way to support orientation on campus. This technology could help people with disabilities in particular to find their way more easily.

Destinations
Destination steles on the buildings were seen as an important element in the guidance system. These should be provided with information on building contents, service facilities and contact persons in the respective building.

Departments
Many participants also wanted the departments to be labelled outside the buildings.

Local transport
Many participants found information on local public transport particularly helpful. A large majority wanted an overview of current connections and timetables both online and on screens on site.

Opening hours
The opening hours of the various facilities and buildings should be clearly communicated and clearly visible at the entrances.

Inclusive recreation and communication spaces
Inclusive spaces for recreation and communication were emphasised as important. Such spaces should be barrier-free and accessible to all members of the university community.

Marked smoking areas
The marking of smoking areas was seen as necessary to create clear smoking zones and protect non-smokers.

Scenographic statements
Scenographic statements on the buildings could visualise the identity and values of the university. In the opinion of the participants, the university should visibly display its democratic values to the outside world in order to set an example for inclusion and openness.