Wayfinding 1.5

Further Research

Explored the Trinity Carpark to gather more research about wayfinding techniques in other contexts.

The large number on a contrasting colour palette makes them easy to recognise and acts as a focal point which is efficient for people trying to find/remember where their car is. Each floor is a different colour which is also a useful way for people to remember what level their car is on. Below the focal point is useful information, however it isn't legible from a distance due to the small type. 

Successful signage informing the public using pictograms such as the camera and Trinity logo as they give a visual cue which can be interpreted quickly.  

Another good example of clear wayfinding pictograms due to the large scale, even the white pictograms are clearly visually on the yellow background. It's a simple example of design that doesn't need text, just visual queues. 

Placing vital information on the ceiling is a useful and successful design decision because it is visible as you walk down the corridor and rarely blocked from peoples view. The use of the white text on a red background creates contrast and attracts the eye to information that may be needed in an emergency or regularly. The arrow is place on the left hand side of the text which informs the viewer of a suggested route, even before they've read 

the text. 

Leeds City Map Totem

Information point in Leeds City Centre offering a wayfinding map using colour coding to categorise the areas of town, for example 'shopping' is highlighted yellow. The street index and the list of shops/points of interest is very small and low down but that is relevant because the map will be the major focal point. There is a limited amount of pictograms, mostly Parking signs and the train station. 

Leeds Beckett University

The pictograms themselves are useful, however they have been put into a very confusing wayfinding system. The arrows aren't big enough to determine the actual direction of the destination and seem very confusing. The map below has the locations referenced by a number on the map which allow the audience to look at the key to find the desired location. I think it would be better to get rid of the confusing top section, increase the size of the map which will result in bigger type and visual imagery that's easy to read and interpret. 

Space. NK 'We Are Moving'

Another example of a map being used as a wayfinding tool. The lack of pictograms are relevant to get from one current location to another. The two 'X's are small but give the two locations a clear point of reference. Interesting to see how they've avoided the use of arrows. 

Victoria Quarter

Uses a similar concept to Space. NK, however where all the shops can't fit they have used directional lines to guide the shop there. This could also be for attracting peoples attention to the famous shops as they're a bigger typeface. Even with this the map is very hard to read on the wall of the entrance because the majority of the type is too small. 

Car Park Signage 

Arrow for drivers navigating around the carpark. I like how the arrow communicates to the driver and lets them decide which turn to make. The condensed structure of the shaft and spike make it clear which way its pointing. 

The Corn Exchange (Revisit)

I was intrigued by my previous visit to The Corn Exchange and I wanted to see if I could find anymore opportunity for wayfinding.

I found a sign outside the entrance informing visitors on the store directory. This was useful because it stated what floor the shop was on and also the category. I like the combination of both sans and sans-serif typefaces as it puts a modern twist on a traditional typeface and location. The change between bold to light font style makes it easier to differentiate the shop title to the location. On the other hand the sign was very small and out of view from the entrance. 

Noticed very traditional wayfinding in the typography, placement and arrows. The plaques aren't very big which makes them hard to see, however it is appropriate for the building. 

Noticed the signage was very small and subtle in order to avoid spoiling the Grade 1 architecture and interior. I took an SLR camera to get some high quality images:

The problem with designing wayfinding for a Grade 1 building is that it needs to be appropriate and respectful of the famous and historical architecture. For example, the top of the stairs down to the events space could have wayfinding on the floor, using an arrow or line to inform people what is down there. However, putting an adhesive onto the wooden floor could risk damaging it which could spoil and damage the building. People are also often seen exploring the building and browsing and wouldn't appreciate being forced and instructed by wayfinding.  

When I went up to the top floor, I noticed numbers above the shops. This could be a useful tool to create a key with, like on a map. Strange that it is only on the top floor, however it would be a good concept to consider. 

Considering where to put signage that doesn't invade the building, putting wayfinding information on glass could be an option, Adidas use the same concept:

Büro Uebele designed the signage system for Adidas. Their concept was to create a space that linked the building together like a 'lace providing directions at hubs and intersections.' This specific style of design may not suit The Corn Exchange but it shows that wayfinding can be abstract if it is appropriate.