A Complete Wayfinding System for a Shopping Center
Wayfinding System
Service
Retail
Industry
Shopping MallDova is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Moldova, bringing together more than 100 stores, restaurants, and leisure areas.
Over time, the existing navigation system no longer matched the scale and structure of the complex. Our task was to develop a new wayfinding system that would help visitors find their destinations faster and move confidently throughout the entire shopping center.
The project began with an analysis of the existing navigation system and visitor movement patterns.
We studied the main routes, identified key decision points — locations where visitors need to choose a direction — and discovered problem areas that made orientation more difficult.
These insights became the foundation for the new wayfinding system and helped us place information elements exactly where they could support quick decision-making and guide visitors through the space.
New Wayfinding System
We developed a unified system of pictograms and wayfinding elements, bringing together signs, directories, pylons, and other navigation assets into a consistent visual language. The system preserves brand recognition while making navigation clear and intuitive throughout the entire shopping center.
Considering viewing distances and visitor movement scenarios, we designed different types of navigation elements: suspended signs, wall-mounted signs, information boards, and directional pylons.
Visual Language
To ensure that the navigation system not only performed a practical function but also created an emotional connection, we extended the brand’s visual language with a graphic symbol — a heart made of dots. It represents the idea of the shopping center as a living ecosystem that connects people, stores, and experiences.
To visually separate navigation elements from advertising structures, the edges of the panels were designed in the brand’s signature raspberry color, while the most important information was highlighted with colored blocks.
For each type of navigation element, we created ready-to-use layouts with precise element dimensions and carefully measured spacing. If needed, any individual element can be easily replaced or updated.
Elevator Navigation
Visitors can move between floors without passing through intermediate levels, so information about all floors of the shopping center was placed on the glass surfaces of the elevators. This allows visitors to identify their destination and plan their route even during the ride.
Interactive Information Kiosk
Since the tenant mix changes regularly, we proposed installing an interactive wayfinding kiosk. It allows visitors to quickly find the desired store and build a route without the need to update the entire signage system.
Parking Navigation
A significant number of visitors arrive by car, so the orientation experience begins in the parking area.
We designed information panels near the exits from underground parking levels, allowing visitors to immediately understand their location and quickly choose the right direction.
We did not simply update the appearance of the signs — we rebuilt the entire wayfinding system based on real visitor behavior and movement scenarios.