Before creating the form of diversion for this task, the first step was to look at the surroundings of Leeds, and the existing wayfindings and signs throughout our journey. This task helped develop an understanding of signage, finding signs that I've never fully acknowledged, and comparing wayfinding designs.
As a group we decided to look at the difference between Leeds Universities signs and wayfindings to Leeds Beckett University, this process proved rather interesting as there was a clear difference and approach to each universities styles. Leeds Universities way findings and signage (shown above) shared both professional and friendly design. The professionally was clearly shown in the wayfindings and maps signs - both being simplistic, neutral and easy to read. Although the map designs being white with a simplistic dark green typeface, the mundane look still echoes professionally, mirroring the representation of the courses and university itself. This is further shown through the detailed 3D map of the campus and colour coding - organised and advanced. One thing that could be improved with the map design is the size of the typeface used to name each part of the campus, with the amount of negative space below, could it be enlarged still keeping a smart and professional look?
Here is a simplistic sign representing and labelling a room for students on Leeds University, with Although the design just involves two squares with a combination of letters and numbers, the identification of this being a room number was vague at first, however with my knowledge and new view point using Fruitigers approach, the parallel and simplistic structure of the squares, possibly connote the reliable and well know shape as an approachable, friendly space.
One thing that was really interesting was how Leeds University used colour association for toilet signs, female being renownedly represented as pink and male blue. I found this rather interesting as although the toilet signs are obviously labelled with the female and male figures, they still decided to use the generic colour association. However, the reasoning behind this could be due to the height of the signs (which as you can see from the photos are above the door), this colour association could be used for those who may have difficulty seeing the female and male vectors. This reasoning could help develop my future work in the module, as I can explore the ways in which I can create signage that can identifiable for all.
Further exploration inside of the Leeds University Union, Signage and way finding became more inviting with its playful serif typeface, and vintage styled arrows, creating a rather friendly characteristic throughout the Union. With its vintage style of using bow arrows and pointing hands, the form of wayfindings is more playful and inviting for the students. The signage is simplistic and universally know, however with additional labelling makes the overall layout easier to understand, this could arguably be labelled to help those new to the union or for international students.
As a group we decided that looking at another university like Leeds Beckett would be a great way to compare wayfindings and signage to Leeds University and also increase our knowledge into how to create impactful designs. Leeds Beckett has a rather exhausting amount of wayfindings, and at some points it became rather confusing to work our way around the Union. Beckett used directional wayfindings on the floor in the forms of labels which directed you to certain places. The font was rather small to read, however the use of different colour was impactful and easy to follow.
However, when further exploring the ground of Leeds Beckett, the excess amount of wayfindings proved rather confusing and also visually cluttered. In one of the images above (top left) it evidently shows that there use of wayfindings in the form of footsteps is far too much. With both directions side by side, the layout is cluttered and hard to follow, although the layout is close, this wayfindings did however have me playfully step on each footstep rather like a game of hopscotch, possibly created in this format to have the public interact with it. To improve this layout, the steps could be further apart and also colour coded, making the differentiation of the direction more identifiable. On the second image about (top right) the combination of the two wayfindings styles is far too much, especially when the footstep is being overlapped and surrounded by several colourful arrows. Maybe there should be a set form of wayfindings, the colour coded arrows are more impactful and helpful compared to the footstep, one could argue that it possibly is too childish to use footsteps.
A simplistic and labelled wayfinding, however having the arrow in a hand drawn format adds a form of informality, making it rather friendly and approachable to public. Having the signage as a speech bubble further adds to the form of approachability and possibly hints at the friendly nature of the coffee bar.
Overall, this exercise of looking at two different university wayfindings and signages proved rather interesting and insightful, and has helped inspire as a group for this project. It's allowed us to think about the impact of location, quantity, size, and design.
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