The NFC Forum has developed a new global identifier to increase interoperability and improve the user experience of NFC connected applications and use cases. The Wayfinding Mark System shows consumers an item includes NFC, and more importantly guides the consumer where to tap. This mark is part of a completely new system designed to simplify the way we connect with the things around us.
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 and unlock the full potential of connectivity.
License the MarksWhy 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 that needs user control will require NFC. Marks that simply indicate the existence of a technology, are not sufficient for NFC. To be successful we must guide users to a tapping location.
How to Use the Wayfinding Mark
The NFC Wayfinding System is designed to adapt for the diverse uses and consumer awareness of the technology while leveraging the continuity of learned behaviors. More complete instructions can be found in the Wayfinding Mark Guidelines. 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.
Directional
The Directional variation provides very clear guidance to the connecting point which is most helpful for tags and on occasionally used devices so users know the precise location of the NFC antenna for an optimal connectivity experience.
Simplified
The Simplified variation can be used in everyday use cases where users have a high degree of familiarity. Adopters should be careful in their choice of this variation because it provides significantly less wayfinding guidance which may be an issue for the less familiar user.
Instructional
The Instructional variations are complementary marks that can be used in cases where user awareness and knowledge of NFC technology are presumed to be low. It provides the most literal guidance of tapping from a mobile device to establish a connection.
Charging
The Charging variation provides users with confirmation of NFC charging functionality and the location of the antenna. It is reserved for this use case only.
Generation One N-Mark
For backward compatibility in established markets, the NFC Forum continues to license the original N-Mark. Please reference the Brand Guidelines to review details on how to use the N-Mark. To become a licensee, please follow the link below:
License the Wayfinding Marks
Available at no charge and to members and non-members alike, the NFC Forum Wayfinding Marks provide the tools you need to connect customers with NFC technology embedded in your product. If you are intended to instead use the N-Mark, please click the link above.
Be sure to Download the Guidelines once you've completed the License Agreement.
License Agreement
Certified Product Mark
When marketing products to suppliers and customers, the NFC Forum provides a Certified Product Mark that can used to indicate a product is NFC Forum Certified Complaint. This mark is only for use with Certified Products and can be licensed by following the link below: