by Shane Henson — June 3, 2013—Visitors to MidMichigan Medical Center—Midland will be able to find their destinations with ease with the new quick response (QR) codes now posted throughout the facility on selected signs and near elevators.
Much like the Google internal maps beta project, which allows users to bill down from a satellite view into indoor maps, MidMichigan’s QR code approach puts the visitor in charge, says the medical center’s management. Visitors can simply scan a code using their mobile device to bring up a map of the area from where they are standing. The same maps appear on the MidMichigan Locations: Maps & Phone Directory Web site.
Knowing how frustrating it can be to try to find one’s way in a huge facility with many corridors, the medical center is doing all that it can to make wayfinding easier. Other initiatives include visual themes on each patient floor—earth, water, light and orchard—and elevators named after birds or trees, says the Center. Some larger art pieces also serve as “landmarks at key building locations.
“Including QR codes on our internal signs is another easy way to help people navigate in an inherently complex environment like this. QR codes are used in more and more places, so the internal medical center signage is a great extension of this approach, and one where we can track our return on investment with online metrics, says Mike Erickson, vice president for facilities and construction at MidMichigan.
In addition to facilitating easier navigation for visitors, using QR codes as a wayfinding tool enables efficient and effective updates. The new technology makes it easier for facilities managers to keep digital maps and other facility information current. These managers can also look forward to a modern shift in problem solving. They will be working less on repairs and maintenance and focusing more on future implementations that follow these new trends. Additionally, these signs are easily cleaned by housekeeping staff, adds the medical center’s management.
Technically speaking for facilities managers and others involved in implementing signage for their facilities, Mark Kawiecki, from MidMichigan’s agency partner, ClearRiver Advertising and Marketing, shares, “The QR sticker material is referred to as flexcon, which is actually an adhesive-backed vinyl material. The technical name is ‘DPM FWS WHITE VINYL HI-PERF ADHESIVE SHEET.’ It is semi-gloss, and is often used in outdoor applications; however, we really liked it for the stickers because of its durability and because it had ‘just the right amount’ of adhesive (not under or overly sticky).”
