Lauren Kelly, the imaginative and ever-curious Founder of Wayfindit, didn’t set out to reinvent the signage and wayfinding industry, but that’s precisely what happened. With a background that blends creative design with serious tech chops, Lauren’s journey is a story of curiosity, reinvention, and a desire to make negotiating spaces smarter, friendlier, and more human.
A Journey from Code to Design
Lauren’s love affair with technology started early. “I started building websites for friends and experimenting with development projects from middle school through high school,” she recalls.
But by the time she hit university, the spark had dimmed. Coding had become routine, and she was ready to explore something new. That curiosity led her to UC Davis in California and a design program that would change everything.
Discovering a Passion for Environmental Graphics
One class in particular, Environmental Graphics Design, caught her eye.
“I initially thought the class was about sustainability and green design; it just happened to fit into my schedule. But it was about signage, and I loved it. It struck the perfect balance of creativity and structure for me.”
That unexpected twist? Total game-changer. Lauren had found her sweet spot: a space where design meets purpose and where every sign tells a story.
Bridging Experience with Innovation
After graduating, Lauren dove back into development, racking a decade of experience in full-stack web development and database design. But this wasn’t just a return to tech; it was the beginning of something bigger.
Her unique blend of design sensibility and technical know-how gave her a rare perspective. She saw the gaps in the wayfinding industry, confusing signage, clunky systems, and missed opportunities and imagined a better way.
Enter Wayfindit: a platform that brings together thoughtful design, intuitive tech, and a whole lot of heart to help people find their way, whether they’re navigating a hospital, a campus, or a corporate HQ.