Libraries Museums Office Buildings Parking Structures Schools Shopping Malls Transit Stations Zoos Airports are often large and complex, with confusing layouts. Signs may be inconsistently located and designed, idiosyncratically worded, inadequately illuminated, and not as legible as they need to be. For the infrequent traveler or someone unfamiliar with a particular airport, air travel itself is often a source of stress. Some people are nervous about flying, some are anxious about being in an unfamiliar place, while others are madly trying to reach their planes on time.
Many people have trouble finding their way to and through airports.
Travelers who are weak or disabled may suffer physically from going the wrong way and walking farther than needed. Airport staff may spend much hospitable, but otherwise unproductive time giving directions to travelers. Security staff may not be able to quickly access sections of the airport where they need to be. Travelers may miss flights because they can't find the right gate on time. Travelers may board the wrong planes because gates were not adequately identified.