SEPTEMBER 2021

WAY FI N D I N G MAR K G U I D E LI N E S
1N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESTABLE OF CO N T EN TS

These guidelines provide instructions on how touse the NFC system of wayfinding marks to ensure
optimal user experiences wherever and wheneverpeople encounter NFC interactions in the world.

2N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINES

345681112131415THE NFC PROMISE
WHY WAYFINDING
THE WAYFINDING MARKWAYFINDING MARK VERSIONSPLACEMENT GUIDELINES
CLEAR SPACEMINIMUM SIZECOLOR & CONTRASTAPPLICATION DON’TS
GETTING STARTEDTHE N FC P ROM I SE

For the explorer in all of us – in search of more information, better
shortcuts, new efficiencies in our daily lives – NFC is the simplest way
to connect. From buses and trains, to shops and home automation, forthe products we love and communities we support, NFC connects us
to faster payment, deeper engagement and streamlined tasks thatmake our lives easier, richer, and more enjoyable.
All it takes is a tap.

3N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESWHY WAY FIND I N G

Why wayfinding? Because NFC is different. Other wireless technologies
indiscriminately broadcast their presence to the world around them –only NFC is centered on user intent. The use cases for NFC technology
presume and require user control and likewise every new use case thatneeds user control will require NFC.
Marks that simply indicate the existence of a technology, are not sufficientfor NFC. To be successful we must guide users to a tapping location.

4N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINES

THE WAY FINDI N G M A R KI T STA RTS H ER E
In order to fulfill the NFC promise in the world, wemust orient users to the proper tap location of ourtechnology. The foundational NFC wayfinding mark,also known as the “Directional variation”, guides users
to the precise location of the NFC antenna, ensuring
an optimal connectivity experience.
Evocative of the original N-Mark, radio technologies
in general, and common near field antenna designs,
this fresh new mark overtly invites users to tap andunlock the full potential of connectivity.

5N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESWAY FIN DING M A R K V ER SI ON S

DE S I GN ED F OR EV ERY U S E C AS E
The NFC Wayfinding System is designed to adapt for the diverse uses and consumerawareness of the technology while leveraging the continuity of learned behaviors. While
the Directional variation gives the most explicit tap location guidance, certain use cases
may merit the use of a variation or a complementary mark.

D I R EC TI ONAL

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N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESS I M PLI FI E D

CHA RGIN GIN ST RU CT IO N A L

WAY FIN DING M A R K V ER SI ON S

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N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESDIRECTIONALSIMP LIFIEDThe Directional variation is most helpful
for tags and on occasionally used devices
to overtly guide the user to the precise
location of the NFC antenna for an optimalconnectivity experience.

The Simplified variation can be used ineveryday use cases where users havea high degree of familiarity. Adoptersshould be careful in their choice of thisvariation because it provides significantly
less wayfinding guidance which may be
an issue for the less familiar user.

CHARGINGIN ST RU CT IO N A L

The Charging variation provides users withconfirmation of NFC charging functionality
and the location of the antenna. It isreserved for this use case only.

The Instructional variations arecomplementary marks that can beused in cases where user awarenessand knowledge of NFC technology arepresumed to be low. It provides the mostliteral guidance of tapping from a mobile
device to establish a connection.

ABCD

P LACEMENT GU I D EL I N ESAThe Directional variation provides the user with theopportunity to tap for additional product information suchas materials, sourcing, care, loyalty programs, and price.

B
The Directional variation provides the user with theopportunity to tap for additional product information,including safety and dosage.

CThe Simplified variation guides the user to the precise
location of the NFC antenna on their phone.

D
The Simplified variation reminds the driver of how tounlock the car with their phone.

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N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESEF

P LACEMENT GU I D EL I N ES

E
The Instructional variation works well when encouraging
new users of NFC technology to explore more ways toengage with the brands they love such as for points,savings, and community.

GFThe Charging variation provides users with confirmation ofNFC charging functionality.

GThe Directional variation informs guests of the presenceand location of NFC technology to unlock their hotel door.

9N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESP LACEMENT GU I D EL I N ES

HThe Simplified variation guides users on where to set up
wireless automation and assures them that NFC
capabilities are enabled.

10N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESCLEA R SPACEM AI NTA I NI NG C L EAR S PAC E

CLEA R SPACE MIN IMU M
1/2 the height of the Directional Mark

Keep the wayfinding marks separated from othervisual elements by a distance equal to half of itsheight. This distance is considered the minimum
uninterrupted space surrounding the mark. We
call it the area of isolation, or clear space, and it
should be adhered to in all situations.

CLEA R SPACE MIN IMU M
1/2 the height of the Simplified Mark11N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESMIN IMUM SIZEHEIGHT MIN IMU M
5 mm20 pixels (at 72 dpi)ACTUAL SIZEM AI NTA I NI NG P R OP ER S I Z E*Apply to N height of Charging variation

Adopters are required to maintain legibility of thewayfinding marks by adhering to minimize size
requirements as described on the facing page.

HEIGHT MIN IMU M
8 mm
30 pixels (at 72 dpi)
ACTUAL SIZEHEIGHT MIN IMU M
14 mm
42 pixels (at 72 dpi)
ACTUAL SIZE

*Applies to both Instructional variations
12N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESCOLOR & CONT R AST

MAINTAINING SUFFICIENT CONTRAST
The new wayfinding system was designed to beflexible to work with any color combination aslong as proper contrast is achieved. The markmust have clearly defined visual separationfrom where it is placed and/or the backgroundsurrounding it.

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N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINES

A P P LICATION D ON ’TS

DO NOT ALTER
The wayfinding marks cannot not be edited,altered or distorted in any way. Nor can they be
associated with any secondary logo.

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N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINESGETTIN G START ED

ACCESSING THE WAYFINDING SYSTEM
All uses of the NFC Wayfinding System requires the execution of the NFC Forum Wayfinding
Mark Trademark License Agreement. This click-through license and all creative assets areavailable on the NFC Forum website at:https://nfc-forum.org
The license agreement for the NFC Wayfinding System provides limited indemnification
for licensed users of the marks in those jurisdictions where the it is registered. Licensed
users are not shielded from liability in jurisdictions where the marks are not registered orin connection with products or services not specified in the registration of that jurisdiction.
For a complete list of registered jurisdictions, please contact the NFC Forum.
The NFC Forum registered N-Mark is a separate mark with a different license and terms.
Please visit the NFC Forum website for additional details.

15N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINES

401 Edgewater Place
Suite 600
Wakefield, MA 01880, USA
Phone: +1 781-876-8955
Fax: +1 781-610-9864
nfc-forum.org

16N FC FO R UM WAYFINDING MARK GUIDELINES