OUGD405 - Wayfinding Ideas and Concepts Critique

Initial ideas generated for the Leeds City Centre way finding system consist of a signage concept that co-ordinates colours to different established sectors of the city. Each sector will be communicated via its own selected colour, exploiting connotation for the target to establish psychological links and connections. The signage uses a format to be viewed as an extension or alternate variation of road signage, with a more pedestrian-focused target and distinct character, also featuring symbols and pictograms. 

3 Critique Questions and Feedback

What do you think of the idea to produce a variation of road signage that is more pedestrian focused?

• It would work as long as people could differentiate between the two. Your designs would need to be different, but use the same principles.
• It wouldn't hugely impact the established dynamic of the city because of the similarity, which is good because the system shouldn't overpower the environment, but should be there and clear for those who need it.
• You would need to find the balance between similarity and difference, but road signage is obviously really effective so why not extend it. 
• I think its a good idea because there isn't any real direction for pedestrians, but you can sometimes figure out direction from road signs as a pedestrian so it should work the other way round too.
• It might confuse people.

I plan to divide the city into different sectors before giving each of them an identity through colour. What are your thoughts on this?

• Colour coordinating is a really simple and clear way to show different areas or levels, so I think it would work.
• As long as the colours were considered and appropriately chosen for the sectors.
• That would make the signage different from road signage, so people would easily tell between that. It would also represent the diversity of the city.
• I think people would respond well to it, the signs would help people know where about in the city they were.
• It would look vibrant and exciting, but still be functional.

Should the signage be one standard size, or should it vary dependant on location within

the sectors?

• It should definitely vary dependant on location, some areas may need larger signs, and then maybe there could be smaller ones as reminders.
• Yes I agree with that.
• I think larger signs with more information should be as people are entering the sector, and then smaller ones throughout.
• I would keep to one size.
• I think slight variations would be good, but they all need to be big enough for people to see from a distance.

Targets and aims from critique feedback:

• Produce a way finding system reminiscent of road signage, but with its own distinct visual language. Consider the principle of this style, and ensure design is pedestrian focused - not exclusive.
• Create colour coordinated sectors of the city, using considered hues to represent not only the specific areas but vibrance of Leeds as a city also.
• Produce varying sizes of the signage for different places and settings. Larger/smaller signs where appropriate.