Re: Typeface for wayfinding

I was interested to read the discussions about typeface for wayfinding and the spinoff on signage more generally. Recent psychology research has shown that the more connections within the brain are stimulated then the quicker recognition kicks in. Therefore real images, i.e. a photograph of a real baby (with texture, form and colour) will be more likely to invoke a quicker response. Can anyone tell me whether any articles have been written on this from a design/signage persepctive? 
 
I would also be really interested to be pointed to some key works on colour in design. I am a PhD student looking at the design of information communication system.
 
Grateful for any pointers and/or discussion on my first point.
 
Elizabeth Lomas
University of Northumbria 
 
  

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From: [email protected] on behalf of Swanson, Gunnar
Sent: Fri 22/08/2008 12:50
To: Discussions about information design
Subject: Re: InfoD-Cafe: Typeface for wayfinding



re: http://www.fontshop.com/features/newsletters/aug08b/index.html

Conrad is, of course, right on with his comparison to Leroy lettering. If Barry Deck gave us template lettering done by a drooling fool (was that really almost twenty years ago?) then Daniel Utz has given us an ideal of the dead-but-not-forgotten Rapidigraph world.

I think it's a handsome typeface. The forms are even and smooth but their combination is not. That produces an almost sweet clumsiness that might be endearing but could, in many contexts, be irritating.

I wonder about the "ideal for wayfinding" and "quick recognition" claims. I'd have to spend some time and do some experimentation but if bets have to be on the table, I'm guessing no on both.

I joined in the symbol mockery but, for the most part, they are recognizable to anyone who can read the current common symbols such as the AIGA/DOT symbols common in the US. Anyone who calls them "universal" in the fullest sense, is a fool but Adolph Loos' famous Papuans rarely visit airports. (When they do, I suppose they'd need to follow a tour guide with an intricately tattooed flag.)

The second to the left on the top pedestrian walkway sign had me stumped until I noted the context of the bicycle path sign. I'm still not sure about the one with Mr. Clippie in a hurry on the lower right. Other than that, they are as clear as signs for bathrooms, baby changing stations, and hotel availability ever are and perhaps as clear as they will be.

The various "universal" symbol signs don't functions as Esperanto and don't try to. They are a pidgin. Inarticulate and not always precise but easy to learn for a broad range of people. They are not universal or all-inclusive--ideals never reached much of anywhere (and perhaps rightly so.) They are just minimally exclusive.

My favorite symbol to mock in the AIG/DOT series is the "no food or drink" negated cup and hamburger one. I claim that it means "no thanks. Just the fries." (In case you don't know what I'm talking about but http://www.xpress-signs.com/images/OSHA/symbols/SYM_55.gif is similar.)

Gunnar
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Gunnar Swanson Design Office
1901 East 6th Street
Greenville, North Carolina 27858

[email protected]
+1 252 258 7006

at East Carolina University:
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