This project investigates how healthcare design practitioners conceptualize and implement strategies that support effective wayfinding in complex hospital environments. Although patients, visitors, and staff frequently experience wayfinding challenges due to intricate spatial layouts and stressful conditions, most existing studies have focused on isolated environmental features rather than understanding the broader set of design strategies used in practice. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured focus groups with 34 experienced healthcare designers who met stringent professional inclusion criteria. Transcripts were examined through reflexive thematic analysis to identify underlying patterns in design approaches.

The study produced a novel framework that maps four key design considerations to seven design variables across chronological and spatial dimensions of the design process. Six core wayfinding strategies were identified in practice, including simplicity, consistency, spatial hierarchy, orienting cues, ambient cues, and landmarks. The findings highlight differences between assumptions within the existing literature and industry priorities, particularly regarding signage and the potential for biophilic design to support navigation. The project underscores the importance of beginning with embedded strategies early in planning and advocates for stronger collaboration between research and practice to advance human-centered design in healthcare.