As the corn exchange doesn't currently have much wayfinding, I researched into different arrows that I could potentially use to guide guests. Due to how prestigious the Corn Exchange is, I aimed for smart, sophisticated and traditional characteristics:
It's interesting to see how many variations there are between the shaft and the point. Arrows that have a consistent stroke are uniform and direct. They're appropriate for contexts such as the train station and airport because the audience needs to interpret the information immediately. The Corn Exchange is a different context, where shoppers are free to take their time and browse the cafes and shops. This means there is opportunity to be visually expressive with the arrows so that they're objective and fit the architecture.
Using Illustrator and grids to get accurate outcomes, I produced my own arrows for stairs, left and right.
Stairs
Zig-zag will influence the audience to relate the line to stairs. Used a condensed point in order to make it clear and concise. Inspired by fire exit sign but without the figure running down. The figure isn't relevant because of of where I can position the sign.
Could be used in two contexts as the elongated shaft could suggest an upper level or along the corridor and then right. This is why I believe my first concept is more appropriate for guiding on stairs.
Right Down Left Up
Influenced by National Rail wayfinding. The condensed structure of the arrows will make them visible from far away due to the arrow head being so angular and sharp.
The angular line makes the direction easier to interpret, especially from a distance. It is these three lines that make the design so successful.
Very sharp points which may look aggressive in the Corn Exchange. The narrowness makes them point in a very specific direction.
Graduated shape suggests movement and perspective and will inform the viewer that they need to walk straight before turning left or right. I like the arrow without the fill, however depending on the stroke, it could be hard to see from a distance.
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