Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Environmental and interactive wayfinding
Project:
I Walk New York, plan for pedestrian wayfinding in New York
City, 2011
Design:
Two Twelve, New York, USA
It may seem strange to feature a proposal rather than a finalized, fully implemented
piece of information design, but we felt that this offered a fantastic opportunity to
gain insight into the process of researching, analyzing and creating a strategy for the
implementation of a wayfinding system delivered across a variety of platforms.
Overview
In 2011, Manhattan's Two Twelve produced a report that 'articulates the need for a
unified NYC pedestrian wayfinding system'. They had been commissioned by the
New York City Department of Transportation to explore the potential of a wayfinding
system that covers the five boroughs of New York. Two Twelve partnered with Tim
Fendley of London-based agency Applied. Both agencies are recognized as world
leaders in wayfinding planning and design, Fendley being the creative force behind
the highly acclaimed pedestrian wayfinding system 'Legible London'.
Approach
In order to understand the challenges involved in creating a successful wayfinding
system, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the problems that currently ex-
ist for pedestrians in NYC. Gathering primary research facilitates this understanding.
Current wayfinding and pedestrian behaviour was studied and analyzed. Beresford
Research worked with Two Twelve to gather this information, and the findings were
then used to inform the strategy of the final proposal.
So what were the issues that faced the users navigating NYC? 31 per cent of trips
in New York are made on foot, and although the grid system of the city may appear
to be relatively straightforward to navigate, it presents a range of problems for the
pedestrian. When streets are named and numbered sequentially it is easy to navigate;
however, the reality of NYC is that it contains numerous grids that merge, collide and
separate. A grid system can also result in a cityscape that is indistinct, creating a chal-
lenge for the pedestrian who commonly seeks distinct landmarks to aid orientation
