IU Health Methodist Hospital
Nicolson Associates partnered with IU Health Methodist Hospital to design and implement a comprehensive healthcare wayfinding system focused on patient-first navigation.
The Challenge
As a large, multi-building hospital campus, IU Health Methodist faced common healthcare navigation challenges:
Complex building layouts
Multiple entrances and departments
High first-time visitor traffic
Patients and visitors often arrived under stress, making clear, intuitive signage critical to improving the overall experience.
The Solution: Patient-First Wayfinding Design
Nicolson Associates developed a strategic hospital wayfinding and signage system built around clarity and simplicity.
Key components included:
Standardized, easy-to-understand department naming
Clear directional signage at major decision points
ADA-compliant typography and contrast
Consistent visual hierarchy across buildings
Color and numbering systems to simplify navigation
The design prioritizes intuitive movement through complex healthcare spaces, reducing confusion and improving patient confidence.
Phased Rollout with Minimal Disruption
Because IU Health Methodist Hospital operates 24/7, the implementation followed a carefully planned phased signage rollout.
Installation was coordinated to:
Minimize disruption to patients and staff
Align with renovation schedules
Maintain operational continuity
This approach allowed the hospital to upgrade its wayfinding system without interrupting care delivery.
The Results
The new healthcare wayfinding system:
Reduced directional inquiries
Improved patient and visitor navigation
Shortened travel times to key departments
Enhanced the overall patient experience
By aligning environmental graphics with patient needs, Nicolson Associates delivered a scalable, intuitive hospital signage and wayfinding solution that supports compassionate, efficient care.
