Wayfinding Design for El Yunque National Rainforest and its influence in the visitor's experience.

This thesis investigation focuses on how graphic design can enhance a person's wayfinding experience in El Yunque National Rainforest, in Puerto Rico.

Wayfinding in the city is a mostly straightforward endeavor. There are streets, buildings, and signs that clearly mark a path that will aid your travels. But what about in a forest? What visual references for wayfinding are available in these circumstances? At first, I thought about the rainforest at home, El Yunque. Due to the abundance of vegetation in a rainforest, it is hard to clearly navigate towards your final destination. So, here is my question: What are the requirements for a wayfinding system to be successful in a natural environment? What role does graphic design play in this scenario?

This investigation was led through literary research and personal interviews with rainforest visitors. If, at some point, they felt lost, they would identify the existing system and point out the needs and flaws for said system. In conclusion, the main focus of this project was to figure out what graphic design guidelines were necessary in order to make a successful wayfinding system.​​​​​​​