Houston Zoo Wayfinding

The Houston Zoo's many years of expansion and growth resulted in a confusing, spaghetti-bowl-like system of pathways. By 2018, navigating the zoo was proving difficult for guests, and it was clear that order needed to be made. As part of the Zoo's Centennial Master Plan, pathways were reorganized, and a new, multi-layered wayfinding system was implemented - including a revamped Zoo map now divided into colored zones, a family of directional signs, a digital navigation system for guest’s hand-held devices, and a digital, outdoor “Plan Your Day” kiosk to orient guests as they enter the Zoo’s gates.

The wayfinding system is currently in phase II, and will be fully implemented by 2025.

Design Team:

Creative Direction: Kirsten Ufer | Design: Sign Types, Visual Messaging Schedule & Location Plan: Formation | Visual Design: Principle | Supplementary Design & Message Scheduling: Houston Zoo In-house, Steven Shultz