A thematic synthesis of the experiences and perceptions of everyday wayfinding

Wayfinding is an important everyday activity, which can be conceived as a dynamic process of spatial problem solving. Existing research has significantly increased our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of wayfinding but has necessarily minimised the importance of ecological factors. Therefore, in this study we conducted a thematic synthesis of 54 articles, investigating an important yet minimised factor: the experiences and perceptions of wayfinding in everyday settings. Our findings suggest that people’s experiences and perceptions are an integral part of everyday wayfinding, which manifests most explicitly in how landmarks are selected and utilised, how individuals’ wayfinding experiences and strategies are idiosyncratic, and how wayfinding can be conceived as a dynamic, collective and socially-situated activity. These findings, we suggest, can act as a catalyst for an expansion of wayfinding research towards more ecologically sound approaches with diverse methodologies. • A synthesis of research findings on the personal everyday experiences of wayfinding. • Wayfinding can be conceived as a dynamic, collective and socially-situated activity. • Landmarks are both universal and highly individual as a wayfinding strategy. • Lived experiences of wayfinding as an embodied activity are idiosyncratic. • More ecological approaches are encouraged within traditional wayfinding research.