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Wayfinding is a kind of systematic communication system which helps people find their way by using elements of words, signage, maps, graphics, digital media, etc. This survey report focuses on how users use existing wayfinding design systems and wayfinding means in transportation services within cities in China. The method of paper surveys and online surveys were adopted to examine the effectiveness of existing wayfinding systems. Some elements of wayfinding systems such as the usability of the character design of ‘Pinyin’ (using Latin letters to help pronounce Chinese words), graphical information and digital means were also addressed. There were 196 valid interviews obtained in the paper survey at Beijing South Railway Station, and 35 valid responses from online survey which were given by foreigners with travel experience in China. Preliminary results indicated that the mobile internet is the most preferred wayfinding tool. Consistency, legibility and safety are important wayfinding principles.

In recent years, wayfinding is one of the aspects in urban city design that emerge with digital technologies in the smart city [1] development in China. However, before building a smart city, some issues need to be solved in the wayfinding system within cities in China such as misleading signs, irrational roadway design in transportation. This field study report is part of my research project, in which examples of three prime cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong) and two 2nd tier cities (Suzhou, Nanjing) are discussed to examine the functionality and usability of interactive wayfinding design. The findings of this report showed that emerging new technologies with wayfinding concept and theory that is based on user experience makes wayfinding more effective and functional. Some alternative guidelines and solutions of usable wayfinding design are provided to help people live in a safe environment rather than live in just a fully digitalized city.