OUGD405 - Light Tones VS. Dark Shades Solution Critique

With two possible signage resolution styles to decide between, I searched for feedback in regard to the two in an attempt to discover which of the Leeds City centre way finding systems visual languages most appropriately, relevantly and effectively worked as an aid to environmental awareness and sense of place.

Visual Solution 1

Visual Solution 2

Critique 

Looking at both solutions, which do you prefer/feel is most effective and why?

• I prefer the first solution. It seems more complete and finished, whereas the second seems like its missing something. I can't put my finger on what but there's something lacking. I also find the first easier to read because of the dark type on the light backgrounds, though I think the red and orange need to be lighter.
• Definitely the first. It seems altogether more clear and the colours are more defining. I think people would relate to them more because they're bolder.
• I prefer the second I think. The colours are more vivid and bright.
• The second. They look clean and cohesive, not that the others don't, but these especially do.
• The first solution is my favourite. Its a lot easier to read, they look more distinct and I think you could see them from a further distance. I also think they seem different to standard road signs.
• I like the second aesthetically, but practically I think the first is more effective. The yellow is hard to read on white too so I'd go with the first solution. 
• The first but I think the blue, red and orange need to be lighter. They need to be more contrasting, like the yellow. The yellow one works really well.
• I can see the text and symbols much more clearly on the first so that one.
• I prefer the second, some of the colours in the first seem dull.

The responses I received through this critique were very much varied, with some having preference for the first, as some for the second. Those in favour of the second seemed to prefer it for aesthetic reasons over functionality. I received much more considered responses to resolution one in ways its was already effective and ways it could be improved, and therefore this is the solution I will carry forward.

Points taken from the critique:

• Solution number one is overall more effective.
• Find lighter tones of blue, red and orange to improve the contrast and overall effectiveness of the system.