Introduction and Overview

A digital wayfinding system consists of strategically placed kiosks or digital displays providing essential information, such as directions, public service announcements, transportation updates, and promotions for local businesses. The primary goal is to enhance urban experiences by giving residents and visitors easy access to critical information. Cities must develop a comprehensive RFI to explore available technology options, revenue models, and operational strategies.

Crafting the RFI: Key Guidelines

A well-prepared RFI should clearly convey the city’s expectations and requirements for a digital wayfinding system. Key elements include:

• Objective Definition: Clearly define goals such as improving accessibility, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public safety.
• Vendor Inquiry Scope: Ensure the RFI requests comprehensive information on both hardware and software capabilities.
• Transparency: Clarify that the RFI process is informational and does not guarantee a contract.

Scope of Hardware Requirements

Hardware requirements should focus on durability and performance. Important considerations include:

• Kiosk Design: IP65-rated, weather-resistant, single-sided or dual-sided units preferably with a Windows computer. The kiosks must include a touch screen, a high-resolution camera for future advancements or interactive apps such as a PhotoBooth, and an ambiance sensor for automatic brightness adjustments.
• Display Quality: High-resolution, anti-glare screens for visibility in various lighting conditions.
• Accessibility: Compliance with ADA standards, including multilingual support and text-to-speech features.

Scope of Software Requirements

Software capabilities are essential for a functional wayfinding system. The RFI should inquire about:

• Real-Time Data Integration: Live updates on public transport and city services.
• User Interface Design: Intuitive interfaces with multilingual support.
• Security Features: Strong data protection measures, encryption protocols, and compliance with privacy standards.
• Remote Management: The software should enable remote monitoring, system updates, and troubleshooting.
• Emergency Integration: The system should be capable of integrating with public safety features and emergency alert systems.
• Data Management: Secure data storage in a government-certified cloud environment with proper backup and disaster recovery mechanisms.

Vendor Experience in Government, Municipalities, and Commercial Sectors

The RFI should also explore vendor qualifications and experience, emphasizing:

• Government Project Experience: Examples of prior deployments for municipal clients.
• Commercial Expertise: Experience with high-traffic areas like airports and shopping centers.
• Client References: Testimonials and performance reviews for reliability assessment.
• Compliance Standards: Vendors must demonstrate adherence to standards like ADA, SOC 2 Type II, and data sovereignty.

Summary

By creating a comprehensive and strategic RFI, city officials can attract qualified vendors who can deliver a robust digital wayfinding system. This approach promotes transparency in the selection process and ensures the city achieves enhanced public engagement, safety, and economic growth.