Signage System@Iitg. Deepak.k MDes09

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SIGNAGESYSTEMforIITGuwahati

SubmittedinPartialFulfillmentoftheRequirements

FortheDegreeof

MASTERofDESIGN

By:

DeepakKumar (07420511)

ProjectGuide:Prof.PradeepYammiyavarFDRS

DepartmentOfDesign

INDIANINSTITUTEOFTECHNOLOGYGUWAHATI

NORTHGUWAHATI,ASSAM-781039


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This is to certify that the thesis work titled

SIGNAGESYSTEMforIITGuwahatiisanauthenticworkcarriedout

by

DeepakKumar

DepartmentofDesign

IITGuwahatiAssam

at

DepartmentofDesign

IndianInstituteofTechnologyGuwahati

Guwahati781039,Assam,India

FortheawardofM.Des.Degreeduringtheacademicyear2008-2009Thematterembodiedinthisprojecthasnotbeensubmittedearlierfortheawardofanydegreeordiplomatothebestofmyknowledgeandbelief.

ProjectGuide:

...........................Prof.PradeepYammiyavar

Professor

DepartmentofDesignIITGuwahati,Assam

Examiner1 :

:

..........................

..........................

..........................Examiner2 :

Examiner3

Rollno-07420511

CERTIFICATE


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S i g n a g e S y s t e m f o r I I T G u w a h a t i

IPR Declaration

I declare that in accordance to the IPR norms generally followed

in Academics, I have acknowledged appropriately all sources of

material / content including visuals / designs / copy rights

accessed from others authors / sources /references and used inthis project as part of the academic reporting.

I declare that the contents of this project report including visuals /

designs other than those whose origin / source has been

appropriately acknowledged, are a result of original efforts.

Signature:

Deepak KumarM.Des (07420511)

Department of DESIGN

IIT Guwahati

DeepakKumar

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My thesis is a culmination of my ideas, experiences and work.

They have been moulded by several very special people along

the way. Without these people I would not stand at this threshold

today. I would first like to thank my family for all that they havegiven me: love, support, cherished memories and the strength

which has placed me where I am today.

I would like to express deep gratitude to my guide Prof. Pradeep

Yammiyavar for his guidance, encouragement and gracious

support throughout the course of our work, for his expertise in the

field that motivated me to work in this area and for his faith in me

at every stage of this research.

I look forward to continue working with him and further

developing our relationship.

I would like to thank all the faculty and staff of Department of

Design for their support throughout and last but not the leastspecial thanks to Prakash, Vikash, Vikram and Pravin for their

constant support and help whenever I needed.

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CONTENTS

Abstract 1

Introduction 2

Methodology and Time Plan 3

Resources (study phase) 5

4.1 Resources in Wayfinding and Signage Design 6

4.2 Briefing the Content of the Resources 7

4.3 Architectural Wayfinding Design 10

4.4 Architectural Wayfinding Components 13

4.5 Building Form and Architectural Features 13

Signage Design 15

5.1 Signage Design 16

5.2 Wayfinding 17

5.3 Signage Elements 195.4 Eye Level 20

5.5 Typography 21

5.6 Arrows 24

5.7 Colours 26

5.8 Semiotics: The Study of Signs 28

5.9 Maps 30

Chapter Page

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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CONTENTS

IIT Guwahati Campus (analysis phase)

6.1 Campus 32

6.2 Topography 33

6.3 Circulation 346.4 Role of Topography in Circulation 35

6.5 Approaching the Campus 36

6.6 Movement of People 37

6.6.1 Distribution of People 38

6.6.2 Decision Points 39

Digital SIgnage

7.1 Comparative Analysis 41

7.2 Places of Use 42

SIGNAGE SYSTEM at IITG

8.1 Critical Appraisal 44

8.2 Studying the present system 488.3 Circulation 49

MY Interpretation & Exploration

9.1 MAP for IITG 52

9.1.1 Legend in MAP for IITG 59

6.

7.

8.

9.

Chapter Page

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CONTENTS

9.2 Typography 62

9.2.1 Fonts 63

9.2.2 Experimentation on Fonts 64

9.2.3 Screening of the Fonts 659.2.4 Font Selection 67

9.2.5 Fonts and Size 68

9.3 Colours 70

9.3.1 Fonts and Colours 71

9.4 Arrows 72

9.4.1 Arrows and Colours 74

9.5 Representations9.5.1 You are Here 75

9.5.2 Entrance Sign 76

9.6 Layout and Placement of Signboards 77

9.7 Placement of Maps 104

9.8 Placement of Information Desks 108

9.9 Form 1099.9.1 Semantic Approach 110

9.9.2 Studying the brand 114

9.9.3 Extraction of Abstract 116

9.9.4 Form Exploration 117

9.

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CONTENTS

9.10 System Approach 126

9.10.1 Use Case Diagrams 130

9.10.2 Sequence Diagrams 131

9.10.3 Persona and Scenario 1329.10.4 Wireframe Model 134

9.10.5 Graphic User Interface 135

9.11 Sustainability 144

9.11.1 Material, Process and Energy 145

9.12 Concept Generation 147

9.12.1 Concept 1 148

9.12.2 Concept 2 1509.12.3 Concept 3 151

9.12.4 Concept 4 153

9.12.5 Concept 5 154

9.13 Concept 5 155

9.13.1 Final Concept 156

9.13.2 Components of Signage System 1579.13.3 Materials 170

9.13.4 Critical Appraisal 172

Conclusion 174

Future Work 176

References 177

9

10.

11.

12.

Chapter Page

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S i g n a g e S y s t e m f o r I I T G u w a h a t i 1

ABSTRACT

1.0

This dissertation studies the signs that were installed in IITG

campus. The directional signs are the main focus of the study.

Whether the forces of corporate identity have compromised their

design and their effectiveness as wayfinding aids is tested.

The reason for the research is to find out the background to the

signs conception and learn from the successes and failures of

these direction finders. The aim is to attain an effective signage

system that meets all the requirements of the university, including

corporate identity, whilst not compromising usability, and

remaining usable and effective.

Architectural wayfinding design addresses the built components

of wayfinding design, including space planning, articulation of

form-giving features and building identity, circulation systems,

and environmental communication.

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INTRODUCTION

2.0

The term wayfinding is a relatively new term which covers

everything to do with how people find their way around

environments. (Miller, C & Lewis, D 1999:11) Wayfinding is a

very broad subject encompassing many elements that worktogether to provide a wayfinding system. [Ref: 14]

However, each element in a successful wayfinding system must

be able to stand up on its own as a wayfinding aid. The

unprepared visitor to a site should be able to arrive and find their

destination with a minimum of hassle.

IIT Guwahati, an institutional campus comprises of more than

750 acres of land, with varied terrain and uneven mass of land. It

is generally taken for granted that people are aware of their

surroundings and can navigate from one place to another. The

scope of sign system at IITG provides assistance to users of the

facilities. They also represent an important aspect of theinstitutes visual identity. These signs communicate essential

information about the facility, and about the Institute and its

operations.

Ideally, signs are part of an environmental information system

that helps users to understand their environment and guides

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INTR DU TI

2.0

them to their destination. Planning signage means interpreting the

needs of users and defining operational requirements.

A friendly, welcoming atmosphere where necessary information isreadily available for visitors, new students and staff to become

easily familiarized with the campus.

A distinct identity for the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

within the campus.

Uniformity of design elements to contribute to the overallaesthetic value of the campus.

The ease with which one proceeds is facilitated through an

environment from one point of interest to another. Way finding

systems include such components as basic layout of building and

site, interior and exterior landmarks, views to outside, signs, floorand room numbering, spoken directions, maps, directories, logical

progression of spaces, colour coding.

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METHODOLOGY & TIME PLAN

3.0

Pre-Study PhaseProject selection

Literature Study

Study Phase

User Study

Survey

Design Phase

Concept Generation

Detailing

Execution/Engg/Testing Phase

Prototype/Model

Testing

Documentation Phase

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survey

detailing

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fnal product

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RESOURCES(study phase)

4.0

The problem identified for this piece of work was that the new

external signs in IITG campus, while serving well to improve the

look of the campus by replacing the tatty and worn old signs, are

ineffective as a wayfinding aid due to the nature of their designand the provision of only building names. Providing only building

names on the new signs gives the impression that the university

would prefer that people became familiar with the school or facil-

ity they are looking for. For this reason, the main question was at

first Has the Institutes corporate image taken precedence over

wayfinding and usability? and this was refined further to give the

title, The signage system for IIT Guwahati campus.

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Resources in Wayfinding and Signage Design

4.1

The Literature Review begins with a brief outline of what has

been written about wayfinding and sign design and then focuses

on what has been written about usability that is appropriate to the

cause of wayfinding.

The Literature Review identifies the major writers in the field, and

gives a brief evaluation of their work and how it is relevant to the

present study.

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Briefing the Content of the Resources

4.2

Publications on wayfinding, in the context of the built

environment, are relatively few; as it is relatively recently that a

need was identified for research into how people find their way

(or get lost).

Books covering the topics of signage and sign design were read

and considered, but contained little relevant information to this

work.

The reason for the lack of books about wayfinding is summed up

in the opening paragraphs of Arthur & Passinis (1992:7) [Ref: 5]second chapter in which they compare getting lost to other

inconveniences placed before us in modern everyday life it is

unlikely that a person will actually die from the stress of getting

lost

The authors of both books find the space, to qualify the need to

improve wayfinding systems and the existence of such books.

Arthur & Passini include a scenario, which they hope the reader

can relate to, whilst Miller & Lewis (writing for healthcare) outline

the consequences of patients getting lost in a healthcare site.

Arthur & Passini also provide snippets of information throughout

the book to remind the reader of the need for good wayfinding.

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Briefing the ontent of the Resources

4.2

The fact is that we are exposed to [electronic variable-message

displays and LCD digital watches] in contexts very different from

that of reading print. Looking at signs and trying to get

information from them has more in common with glancing at ourwatches than it has with reading a book. (1992:165) [Ref: 5]

Dumas & Redish, in A Practical Guide to Usability Testing, claim

to cater for product designers, software engineers and

documentation specialists (1999:back cover) but the bulk of

references and analogies are to IT applications, making it difficult

to relate the theory to anything else, let alone wayfinding. Use ofa poor typeface & dull use of language, compared to Jordan,

made this book about usability less than usable. [Ref: 15]

The Design of Everyday Things (1988) by Donald A. Norman

provides a very interesting read into the human factors that affect

the usability of almost anything one comes into contact with. This

would be a good book to consider whilst designing usability into a

product such as a wayfinding system, though like so many

sources, working backwards from this and using it as a basis for

evaluating and testing something.

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Briefing the ontent of the Resources

4.2

Again, the amount of material available for usability in a way

finding context is very limited. Most is aimed at the IT industry.

However, Patrick W. Jordans (1998) Introduction to Usability

proved very useful as a general guide to usability testing, without

the disadvantage of being context-driven. Jordan explains each

type of testing method, with its advantages and disadvantages

and sometimes an example of what kind of scenario a particular

method is used for.

Jordan also includes useful information about choosingparticipants, warning against the use of colleagues. This makes

sense, as other students from the Information Design faculty will

see the signs as items of design, therefore casting a critical eye

over them, rather than proceeding with the test as a participant

who formed part of the signs target audience would.

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Architectural Wayfinding Design

4.3

Architectural wayfinding design is important to inclusive design

because it facilitates user access, increases satisfaction, and

reduces stigma and isolation of users with disabilities. It reduces

the confusion of visitors and mistakes by employees, saving time

and money and preventing accidents. It also reduces stress,

boosting health and productivity (Evans and McCoy, 1998)[Ref:

7].

Most designers believe that wayfinding is not a high priority issue

relative to other design concerns, or view it as a problem that will

interfere with good design. It is often considered simply a signageissue (Carpman and Grant, 2002: 434).

Kevin Lynch first discussed the impact of the apparent clarity or

legibility of the cityscape on urban quality of life in The Image of

the City in 1960]. Lynch defined legibility as the ease with which

the parts can be recognized and . . . organized into a coherent

pattern. Because legibility and clarity facilitate movement within

the built environment, Lynch claims they are integral to personal

growth and furnish the raw material for the symbols & collective

memories of group communication. Legible surroundings

promote emotional satisfaction, the framework for

communication and conceptual organization [Ref:10].

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Architectural Wayfinding Components

4.4

Legibility of the built environment is served by clear articulation

and coherent grouping of interior and exterior spaces, legible

circulation systems design, and integrating communication

systems (Arthur and Passini, 1992) [Ref: 5]. These three

objectives can be divided into the following components.

1. Wayfinding is as much an architectural issue as a graphic

issue. Architects and designers need to take responsibility for

inclusive approaches to wayfinding and remain apprised of

psychological and health-related impacts of building design. If

they are not ready to do that, a wayfinding expert should beengaged at early stages of the design.

2. Whether addressed through architecture or information, the

design of wayfinding systems should include: (1) identifying and

marking spaces; (2) grouping spaces; (3) linking and organizing

spaces; and (4) communicating this information to the user.

3. Wayfinding design guidelines and best practices vary by

building type, size, and layout; urban, suburban or rural location;

frequency of use; and user requirements, preferences, and

characteristics.

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Architectural Wayfinding omponents

4.4

4. Every building that has undergone substantial functional

revisions or additions should have a user audit / post occupancy

evaluation.

5. Provide as many wayfinding cues in the environment or the

architecture as possible, rather than through signage. Landmarks

that help visitor orientation and direction-giving can be

fundamental for this purpose (VanderKlipp, 2006).

6. Designers must remember that spatial learning and thinking

are not the same as visual learning and thinking.

7. Designers should also remember that small models of

designed environments may produce unanticipated perceptual

effects when built at full scale due to factors in the environment

and non-visual effects of the full-scale building. Wayfinding

elements may be too small or considered insignificant in scale

models.

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Building Form and Architectural Features

4.5

1. Facilitate wayfinding for all individuals, regardless of abilities.

Research and be aware of differences in wayfinding

competencies in potential users, such as gender, age and people

of different abilities (Arthur and Passini, 1992)

2. Wayfinding should be designed for the first-time visitor

because repeat visitors can use their past experiences for

navigation. (Lynch, 1960). Keep the mental state of the visitor in

mind when designing wayfinding systems (e.g., distracted, tired,

tourists; worried patients at a medical facility)

3. While comprehensive and collaborative planning should be

initiated between architects and designers early in the design

process, we need to gather tools of good wayfinding design,

including participant research, user involvement and evaluative

research and assessment tools (Arthur and Passini, 1992).

4. The best-designed wayfinding plans change over time as

urban space and building uses change, or buildings are added to,

restored, or otherwise modified. They may also change in relation

to exterior modifications and larger changes in cultural changes.

One solution is to provide information in ways that are easily

updated .

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Building Form and Architectural Features

4.5

5. Provide users with an ordered environment that has a clear

possibility of choice and a starting-point for the acquisition of

further information. (Lynch, 1960: 4) [Ref: 10].

6. Provide users with a clear visual sweep of the site or building

on entering to afford them an overview of their surroundings, so

they can see a large number of elements and their relationships,

at the same time giving them a sense of their relation to the whole

(Lynch, 1960: 43) [Ref: 10]. The panoramic experience not only

delights, but helps the user obtain a view of the larger spatial

configuration that reinforces memorability. Distinctive views ofplantings, water views, and views of shocking or unexpected

sites such as large changes in scale or color variation, can also

assist users to construct wider mental maps, as can strong

contrasts of spatial configuration, materials, and landscaping

(Lynch, 1960: 43-45) [Ref: 10].

7. Give visual dominance to pathways, with their own

characteristics of space, view and motion, because they are the

main influence in forming mental maps of a space .Use design to

reinforce already existing social meaning, not to negate it (Lynch,

1960: 46) [Ref: 10]. (Lynch, 1960: 44-45) [Ref: 10].

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SIGNAGE DESIGN

5.0

You are unlikely to find the terms 'signage systems', wayfinding

systems or 'directional systems' in the wayfinding dictionary.

These are concepts that are as new as the subject itself. Equally

new is the whole concept of systematic design that blends

together all the technical and functional requirements of a project,

although the actual task of showing people the way is as old as

humankind. The arrow, for example, is an age-old sign, and in

ancient times piles of stones used to point the way at crossroads.

One important factor is the number of people involved and the

amount of time available. Giving clear information as quickly as

possible to large crowds seems a relatively modern concern,although Presumably Roman arenas were cleared pretty quickly,

and it would be interesting to know how they did it. At a hospital,

airport or trade fair, visitors want to get to the right area as quickly

as possible but are often confronted with a bewildering choice of

A, B, C etc. Just as people have to be directed through buildings

and streets, they also need efficient systems to guide them at

transport terminals. A clearly designed system of timetables and

Destination is indispensable. One of the very first destinations

designs to have used a combination of Words and graphics was

the map of the London Underground originally conceived by

Harry Beck in 1931) an Displays of train and flight times.[Ref: 4]

signage:

Origin: sign + age

sNOUNchiefly N. Amer.

SIGNSCOLLECTIVELYESPECIALLYCOMMERCIALORPUBLICDISPLAYSIGNS

OXFORDDICTIONARY

sNOUN

GRAPHICDESIGNSASSYMBOLSEMBLEMSORWORDSUSEDESPFOR

IDENTIFICATIONORASAMEANSOFGIVINGDIRECTIONSORWARNINGAHREFgHTTPDICTIONARYREFERENCECOMBROWSESIGNAGEg

WWWDICTIONARYCOM

3IGNAGEISANYKINDOFGRAPHICSCREATEDTODISPLAYINFORMATIONTO

APARTICULARAUDIENCETYPICALLYWAYFINDINGINFORMATIONON

STREETSOUTSIDEANDINSIDEOFBUILDINGSWIKIPEDIAORG

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I NA E DE I

5.1

Signage systems you can tell a company by its graphics. If a

building bears the firm's font, or is adorned with the appropriate

signs and lettering sends out a friendly signal that accomplishes

a great deal more than simply giving address. The concept of

such systems is described by the French as signaltique, which

has been adopted by the Swiss and the Germans as Signaletik,

emphasizing the active signal more than the sign. This term

denotes identification actions - indication, suggestion, and

recognition - in contrast to the less dynamic wayfindinq system.

In English less of a distinction is made between these different

systems, which are usually all bracketed together under 'signage.[Ref: 4]

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WAYFINDING

5.2

Anton Stankowski objects to the very concept of directional

systems, since they degrade the observer to the level of a

passive, totally dependent object being led through a building.

Such direction' differs from the passivity of wayfindinq aids, as it

is up to you whether you take advantage of the latter. And if we

look a little more closely at what lies behind these linguistic terms,

the design too is different. Active direction imposes itself

intrusively on the foreground, and is an end in itself

it entails leadership, domination, irresistible authority. A way

finding system is polite and restrained, and may hide itself away

when it is not needed. It you were not looking for it, you couldeasily miss it.[Ref: 4]

DIRECTIONAL SYSTEMS

This is not such an appealing term. The idea of being guided,

informed and helped is far more pleasant and gentle than the

domineering 'direct", or being actively led. A leader can also

mislead, as many a nation has discovered to its cost. [Ref: 4]

s$EFINITION SIGNSMAPSANDOTHERGRAPHICORAUDIBLE

METHODSUSEDTOCONVEYLOCATIONANDDIRECTIONSTOTRAVELERS

ALSOWRITTENASway-finding

s%TYMOLOGY COINEDINBYARCHITECT+EVIN,YNCH

7AYFINDINGISOFTENUSEDTOREFERTOTRADITIONALNAVIGATION

METHODSUSEDBYINDIGENOUSPEOPLES)NMOREMODERNTIMES

WAYFINDINGISUSEDINTHECONTEXTOFARCHITECTURETOREFERTOTHE

USEREXPERIENCEOFORIENTATIONANDCHOOSINGAPATHWITHINTHE

BUILTENVIRONMENTANDITALSOREFERSTOTHESETOFARCHITECTURAL

ANDORDESIGNELEMENTSTHATAIDORIENTATION

WIKIPEDIAORG

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WAYFINDIN

5.2

What is wayfinding?

The term wayfinding descnbes the processes people go through

to find their way round an environment.

The waylinding process is fundamentally problem-solving, and is

affected by many factors which are covered in this section.

People's perception of the environment, the wayfinding

information available, their ability to orientate themselves

spatially, and the cognitive and decision-making processes they

go through, all affect how successfully they find their way. [Ref:

17]

How people find their way?

Many factors affect how people orientate themselves and find

their way, but wayfinding is essentially a series of interrelated

decisions influenced by personal and environmental factors and

also the availability and understandability of information.

Having decided to make a journey, people will encounter a series

of decision points along the route. They look for further

information at these points in order to make a decision about

which way to go next.[Ref: 17]

start

end

Figure 5.2.1

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SIGNAGE ELEMENTS

5.3

Eye Level

Typography

Fonts and Forms

Arrows

Colour in Signage

Colour Coding In Signage

Semiotics: The Study of Signs

MapsFigure 5.3.1 a b

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EYE LEVE

5.3

One absurd 'golden rule' states that an eye level of 163 cm is the

ideal height for conveying information. As a general principle,

rules should be questioned, and especially this one. Whatever its

origin, the measurement of 163 cm divides walls into unbalanced

proportions, which is far from ideal.

When we are standing upright, looking straight ahead, it is pos-

sible that our eyes cover a field whose average height is 163 cm

above the ground. However, we do not normally walk in a strictly

perpendicular manner - our heads tilt slightly forward, and our

eyes therefore drop. This is another reason why informationshould not be placed at eye levels. A good height for the upper

edge of a sign on a door, for example, would be 145 cm.

Information at a trade fair or an airport needs to be placed high up,

where it can be read above people's heads. The same applies to

signposts for lorry drivers, who are seated much higher than

motorists. The information must be at such a height that it is not

concealed by parked cars or perpendiculars. [Ref: 4]

Figure 5.3.2

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TYPOGRAPHY

5.4

'Typography and architecture intersect. Every building has some

kind of writing. Houses bear signs. In important buildings, stone

masons and architects leave their signatures on stones. House

numbers can be decorative or intrusive, while the doorbell and

the letterbox may serve as visiting cards. The written word is an

accompaniment to the erected stone, and well chosen

typography enriches the architecture. It can work with the

building, but it can also work against it. Whether unusual or

discreet, hard or soft, the lettering should always be integral to

the architecture, its ally rather than its enemy.'[Ref: 4]

Architects make so little use of typographical elements on their

buildings. The main reason will be that the building design

doesnt need it. Most buildings can make their function clear

without the use of signage on the faade. As you will find on the

buildings listed below, architects used the signage to show the

name of the building to the world; there is no building to be found

with its function printed on it. The function is supposed to be

clear.

Figure 5.4.1

Minnaert building, Utrecht University, The Netherlands

Bauhaus, Dessau, Germany

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TYP RAPHY

5.4

STUDY OF FONTS:

In a wayfinding system, this relationship is reversed. A handful of

large letters stand on a small and restricted surface. The

individual forms of the letters are directly connected to that

surface and its restrictive borders, which for the most part tend to

be rectangular, sharply defined and simple. These characteristics

respond more effectively to a font with similar formal qualities i.e.

sans serif straight and solid. The stems and strokes of serif

characters tend to be tapered, clashing against the stiff

rectangles of regular signs.

Figure 5.4.2(a) The Anatomy of Type

Figure 5.4.2(b) Text size

Typography xCap height

Serif Counter Ascender

Bowl Loop

Uppercase Letter

Lowercase Letter

Descender

Baseline

X height

8 Ft.

16 Ft.32 Ft.

64 Ft. distance

text height

1/4 inch.

1/2 inch.1 inch.

2 inch.

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12Points=

1Pica

6 Point

8 Point

10 Point

12 Point

14 Point18 Point

24 Point

30 Point

36 Point42 Point

48 Point

54 Point

60 Point72 Point

TextT

yp

e(10ptStandard)

Displa

yT

ype

72 Points = 1 Inch

Horizo

ntalRules:.25pt,.5pt,1pt,2pt,4pt,6pt,72pt

Figure 5.4.3

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ARROWS

5.5

There are whole books on the subject of arrows, and of course

the examples shown here aren't the only varieties. Just as with

fonts, there is a wide choice available, but here we shall deal with

just two types that are suitable for wayfinding systems.

Arrow 1 is in FF DIN Light, while arrow 2 is in Thesis the Sans

Extra Light Expert. The proportions of the two arrows are similar

(Thesis grey, FF DIN black), although the barbs are more tapered

in Thesis.

Figure 5.5.1(a)

Arrow 1 Arrow 2

Figure 5.5.2

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ARR W

5.5

Figure 5.5.2a

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COLOURS

In wayfinding systems, contrast is important for ease of reading.

If coloured lettering is used on a bright background, the contrast

is weak. The optimal contrast is white against dark colours and

black against bright colours.

Against a coloured background white lettering always looks best,

but only if there is sufficient contrast. Even with bright colours, or

against dark shades of yellow, white is most effective. Black

lettering tends to merge with the background and make the

colour look dirty.

Coloured lettering can be quite decorative, but it can make a very

strong impact and needs to be used sparingly. Coloured letters

can also convey a message - for instance, they may indicate that

you are on a particular floor. In order to do this efficiently, they

must be set in dull surroundings as otherwise the different

elements may find themselves in competition with one another.

Generally, coloured lettering is problematic and less expressive

than white or black.[Ref: 4]Figure 5.5.1

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COLOUR CODING

Colour-coded directions make it easier for visitors to find their way,

enabling them to identify quickly the nature of the information they

are after. This may only speed the process up by a matter of

seconds, but it reduces stress and contributes to the overall

efficiency of system.

If plans for a building are laid out on a grid showing partition walls,

the tiniest detail can be given a set of coordinates. This clear

system avoids confusion if changes are made, without the need

for complicated codes.

If you are numbering rooms in a corridor according to a code, it is

best to group all even numbers on one side, and odd numbers on

the other. They should also follow the same sequence, so that Low

even numbers are opposite low odd numbers. This makes it easier

to locate whichever room you are looking for.[Ref:4]Figure 5.6.1

Mos

cow

MetroMap

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SEMIOTICS

Iconogram: Illustrative representation, An Iconic sign which, as an

illustrative representation, emphasizes the points in common

between the signifier and the signified.

Pictogram: Pictorial representation, ISOTYPE. An iconic sign

which represents complex facts, not through words or sounds but

through visual carriers of meaning.

Cartogram: A topographical representation with complex

functions (statistics etc.) and iconic facts, for example an atlas or

the ground plan of a house.

Diagram: Functional representation. A visual sign which is partly

still an iconic representation, but is more a functional carrier that

illustrates, for example, a sequence of facts or functions.

Ideogram: Representation of a concept. Corresponds to the sign

as a symbol which relates to the object or concept referred to,independently of any formal identification with it.

Typogram: Typographical representation. A sign, also a

composed sign, derived from a written repertoire such as the

alphabet. [Ref 19]

Semiotics, also called semiotic studies or semi-

ology, is the study of sign processes (semiosis),

or signification and communication, signs and

symbols, both individually and grouped into sign

systems. It includes the study of how meaning

is constructed and understood.

Semantics: Relation between signs and the

things they refer to, their denotata.

Syntactics: Relation of signs to each

other in formal structures.Pragmatics: Relation of signs to their

impacts on those who use them.

(source: wikipedia .org)

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EMI TI

Fig: 5.7.2 VISUAL SIGNS [Ref 19]

Syntactics/Syntax

visual formal modes

Sigmatics

relation between sign & signified

Semantics

sender/meaning

Pragmatics intention

(influencing the receiver)

iconimage

degree of iconicitysubstantial resemblance tooriginal

degree of abstractionsubstantial deviation fromoriginal

symbol

representative

indexindicator, pointer, mainlycharacters; if pictorial, iconand symbol possible asindex

form

dimensiondot, line,flat surface,body, space

qualityround, angular, regular,irregular, free

quantity

large, small

demarcationempty, fully or partiallyfilled, open form, closedform,clear contours, blurredcontours

realizationstructured, sketchy,firm,fuzzy, fragmented, free

brightness

colour

movement

material

imperativewill, duty

suggestivefeelings

indicativeinformation, knowledge

dependent on repertoire ofsender and receiver

dependent on context othersigns culture, surroundings,knowledge, social environment

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MAP

What is a map?

Maps inhabit the realm of fact, although not exclusively. They are

figurative representations of dimensions, attributes and relations

of things in the physical or logical world. Reproduced at a scale

smaller than life-size (usually, but not exclusively -sometimes

their scale is 1:1 or, when mapping the microcosm, larger).

What can be mapped?

Anything can be mapped, and most things are: places, busi-nesses, galaxies, histories, bodies, philosophies devices and

databases. The subject-matter of a map is measured and named

and ordered (captured!) by the mapmaker who, armed with

carefully verified data and a language of pictorial description,

puts everything in its proper place with its proper name as he or

she sees it.[Ref:18]

A map is a visual representation of an areaa symbolic

depiction highlighting relationships between elements of that

space such as objects, regions, and themes.

(source: wikipedia.org)

Figure 5.8.1

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AP

Why use maps?

Maps give their readers the simple and magical ability to see

beyond the horizon. The enlightening arid revelatory

characteristic of a good map derives from its encompassing

vision, contained within a single consistent pictorial model. The

map provides a view that slides instantaneously between

panorama and detail. A map embodies the work, knowledge and

Intelligence of others. We obtain a vision of a place that we may

never have seen, or divine a previously unseen pattern in things

we thought we knew intimately. So, we consult a map as we

would an adviser in order to locate, identify and decide onto beenlightened. As a result we suffer, sometimes. a grand illusion of

omnipotence by believing that the map contains everything

necessary for Understanding or controlling a domain. We forget

that the mapmaker has an implicit or explicit agenda of his own,

not necessarily aligned with ours. Maps are

imperfect. They have missing layers arid gaps within the layers.

Paradoxically, much information can be gathered front the gapsleft in maps, not least about the mapmaker's intentions. This is,

one of the beauties of maps.[Ref:18]

Figure 5.8.2

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IIT GUWAHATI Campus

Figure 6.1.1 Map of IITG from wikimapia

BASIC

CAMPUSLAYOUT

BASIC

TOPOGRAPHY

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TOPOGRAPHY

Topography (from greek topo-, "place", and

graphia, "writing") is the study of Earth's surface shape and

features or those of planets, moons, and asteroids. It is also the

description of such surface shapes and features (especially their

depiction in maps).

The topography of an area can also mean the surface shape and

features themselves.

In a broader sense, topography is concerned with local detail in

general, including not only relief but also vegetative and human-made features, and even local history and culture.

(source: wikipedia.org)

Figure 6.2.1 the topography of the campus

hills (view blockers)

lakes (appreciating ground)

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CIRCULATION

Due to topography of the campus one will have to go through ups

and downs (slope).

-the hills in the campus are considered as view blockers as they

do not allow a person to see beyond them thus creating a bit ofconfusion or may be the only one road gives an extra

confidence of not being misled.

-the lakes are called appreciating ground because there is no

view obstruction and all the buildings around the lake could be

seen clearly, thus giving a clue about where the building is butcreating another question about whats the name of the

building?

Figure 6.2.1 the topography of the campus

hills (view blockers)

lakes (appreciating ground)

entrance(A, B, C, D)

circulation

AJ

K

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

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Role of Topography in Circulation

steep

slope steep

slope

level level

Mainentrance

residentialquarters

residentialquarters

administration

auditorium

academiccomplex

library

computercentre

lake

Subhansiri

sportscomplex

Siang

Kaplili

KendriyaVidyalaya

Lathiabagichagate

A J

K

DE H

route ollowed when seen in elevation

route ollowed when seen in plan

J

K

D

E

H

AJ

K

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

as the stations are approached the places are positioned which are in proximity with the stations

Figure6.4.1 it illustrates the path followed from station

A to D in plan and in elevation through the

campus.

teep

lope steepK

H

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Approaching the Campus

- Private vehicles

two wheelers

four wheelers

- Public vehiclesauto rickshaw

taxi

bus

- IITG transport

busambulance

cycle

vehicles

- Pedestrian

Figure 6.5.1

AJ

K

B

C

D

E

F

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Movement of People

4 entrance gates

- gate A ( main entrance )

- gate B ( ASEB )

- gate C ( Faculty gate )

- gate D ( Lathia bagicha gate )

IIT Guwahati campus is mainly approached from gate A and

gate D.

Visitors (those who do not have institute ID card) have to sign in (getting

a visitor token )at the gate to come into the campus.

Residents (students, faculty and staff members)

AJ

K

B

C

D

E

F

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Distribution of People

Figure 6.6.1a

DISTRIBUTION OF STAFFS, STUDENTS,

AND VISITORS ACCORDING TO THE

ACTIVITIES, PLACE & TIME

STAFFS

STUDENTS

VISITORS

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

MAX UTILISED ROUTES

ENTRANCE (A, B, C, D)

N

A

B

C

D


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Decision Points

Figure 6.6.2a

DISTRIBUTION OF STAFFS, STUDENTS,

AND VISITORS ACCORDING TO THE

ACTIVITIES, PLACE & TIME

STAFFS

STUDENTS

VISITORS

MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

MAX UTILISED ROUTES

DECISION POINTS

ENTRANCE (A, B, C, D)

N

A

B

C

D


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Digital Signage

Figure 7.0.1

WHAT IS DIGITAL SIGNAGE SYSTEM ?

Digital Signage or Narrow Casting is a futuristic media option with

the potential of delivering value much beyond traditional media

like billboards, print signage and static display unit in a morecontrolled format. It comprises of an electronic display screen

which is integrated with a player at the back end, displaying

dynamic multi-media content which is highly attention grabbing

and thus more impact full. The content can be changed on the

screen without changing the physical display signage. Dynamic

digital signage has become today an innovative way of displaying

the information in a multimedia format which presents the

information in a place where the target audience receives the

communication in a more involving and a unique way.

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Comparative Analysis

Graphic display

-a static information

-typically way finding

-only one side interaction

Electronic display

-a discreet information(in packets)

-any kind of information

-one side interaction

Electronic display

-Possibilities for both discreet and continuous information

-For a system approach (virtual)

-Both side interaction

GRAPHIC

SIGNAGE

DIGIT

AL

SIGN

AGE

DIGITAL

SIGNAGE

SYSTEM

Figure 7.1.1

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Places of Use

WHERE DIGITAL SIGNAGE SYSTEM CAN BE USED?

HOSPITALITY SECTOR

ADVERTISING SECTOR

RETAIL SECTOR

BANKING SECTOR

TRANPORTATION SECTOR

CORPORATE SECTOR

WHY DIGITAL SIGNAGE SYSTEM SHOULD BE USED?

Greater message impact by using full-motion, full-color video.

Ability to change the message faster, more easily and lessexpensively compared with replacing printed signage.

Ability to trigger messages based on time of the day, day of

week - even event parameters.

Ability to provide regional, local and even site-specific content

efficiently and inexpensively.

Figure 7.2.1

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SIGNAGE SYSTEM t IITG

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SIGNAGE SYSTEM at IITG

The signs that identify IITG:

must provide assistance to users of the facilities.

must also represent an important aspect of the institutes visualidentity.

must communicate essential information about the facility, and

about the Institute and its operations.

Figure 8.0.1 IIT GUWAHATI logo

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CRITICAL APPRAISAL

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CRITICAL APPRAISAL

The signage system at IITG are

- not very clear because its worn out.

- the placements of the directional signage should be properlyoriented.

- usability factors should be taken care of.

- aspect of the institutes visual/ brand identity is not present.

- the colour consistency has been maintained.

- not proprerly illuminated for visibility in dark.

- the identification of other buildings must look belonging from

the same family.

Figure 8.1.1 a) not perfect orientation along the road

b) worn out signs

c) & d) the identification of other services must match the current

system of depiction

a b

c d

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CRITICAL APPRAISAL

Some feature of wayfinding which is missing in the present

system :

- there is no map of the campus

- the usage of only one language i.e. ENGLISH

- there is no indication for the parking area

- the bus stops in the campus which is one of the most

important feature has not been exploited

- the brand identity is missing

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RITI AL APPRAI A

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RITI AL APPRAI A

In this figure shown at the left :

Picture (a) was taken at 1800 hrs and there was a problem of

visibility, the directional signs were not clear at

that moment of time.

Picture (b) was also taken at 1800 hrs by using the flash of

the camera, and due to the usage of reflective

vinyl sticker for the directional signs it was visible.

DEDUCTION: A better system of illumination must be used so

that the signs are visible at any time of the day.

Figure 8.1.2 a b

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RITI AL APPRAI A

In this figure shown at the left :

Picture (a) was taken at 1900 hrs and there was a problem of

visibility, the directional signs were not clear at

that moment of time.(NB: the street lights wereswitched on by that time)

Picture (b) was also taken at 1900 hrs by using the flash of

the camera, and due to the usage of reflective

vinyl sticker for the directional signs, it was visible.

The background used here is buffed metal and

the directional signe are dark in shade as com

pared to earlier figure. The map shown here

doesnot give any clue to the user about where he

is, leading to confusion.

DEDUCTION: Care should be taken to give the user a clue ofwhere he/she is. This would increase the

effectiveness of the map provided

Figure 8.1.3 a b

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Studying the present system

Location of the decision points:

How a user interacts with the current system and reaches his

destination from the source station.

Series of actions which takes place

-what information is available at the source station

-lead according to the information processed

-at the time of bifurcation in the way decision should be taken

accordingly to the information available

-while reaching the destination, there should be some indication

that the station has been reached and the journey is complete

The figure shown in left illustrates the path followed to reach thedestination from the source. In between there are some decision

points where the direction are given. The study was done to know

how the task is performed and what key factors should be

considered while placing the directional signs.

Figure 8.2.1 route followed from station A to E

AB

C

D E

B

D

C

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The figure 8.8.2 shows the snaps

of the route taken to start the

journey from station A to station

E. In between there were some

key point called as decision pointwhich provided a great help in

taking the decision. The factor

which influenced the place

ment of the sign post was the

division of the road, there were

sign post at the time when there

was another question, now

where to go, or which way to

follow.

Studying this part of the system gives the basic idea of placement

of the sign posts. Though there were some points where there

was a long way to cover and there were no decision points (from

station B to station C) but still there was some confidencebecause there were no diversions.

After reaching to the destination E there was an indication which

showed that the goal is achieved.

Figure 8.2.2 snaps of the route followed from station A to E

AB

C

D E

1

A

B

C C

D E

2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

13 14 15

16 17 18

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Figure 8.2.3 snaps of the route followed from Faculty Gate to the main gate

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

16 17 18

13 14 15

19 20 21

the architectural features like creating a pathway for the pedestrian and painting it in black and white stripes, which would give the

user an extra confidence and would also prevent them in entering to the sites specifically for the pedestrian and cycle movements.

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M.Des09

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MAP for IITG

9.1MY Interpretation & Exploration


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MAP for IITG

Map, whenever I hear this word the first thing which comes to my

mind is the map of India and then the world map.

One of things which are common in both the maps is their

orientation, which always shows the north direction pointingupwards.

Can you imagine a map of world where north is pointed

downwards?

When I started conceptualising about the map for IITGuwahati

campus certain questions were there:

-what should the orientation of the map be?

-should the YAH position be fixed and the map be rotated

around it?

-should the map be made differently for different entrances?

So it is clear that people usually create a mental model (mentalimage, mental map) which simplifies the environment, and the

routes through it, based on available information. When they

arrive at a site, or continue along a route, they then try to match

their mental model to the actual environment. This is a part of the

process of decision executing.

Figure 9.0.1

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AP for IIT

Maps should provide clear, unambiguous answers to three

questions:

where am I and where am I going;

how will I get there; how will I know when I have arrived.

Good signage helps to explain the facility and, in a sense,

answers questions before they are asked. A well-planned system

enables people to find their destination readily and quickly,

reducing the need to search or to ask questions. All signs within a

facility tend to interact, and the effectiveness of a system depends

on all its components being consistent.

Figure 9.0.2

How people find their way

Where to go?

Purpose of visit?

Finding the location of IITG

Find the entrance of the campus

Looking into the map & locate

Find the route to the destination

Follow the route to destination

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AP for IIT

Steps involved in building a map for IIT Guwahati

-orientation of the map

-locating the natural features eg. lakes, hills, river, forest etc.

-drawing the boundaries

-removing irrelevant information from the map

-drawing the circulation

-dividing into different zones

-assigning the colour to different services

-naming the services or prepare a legend

-locating prominent landmarks for people to notice, remember

and recognize

-sequence, priority and grouping of sign messages

Figure 9.0.2 illustration of sequence of steps followed for IITG map

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o

A map is incomplete without a proper legend or it would mean

nothing.

A map symbol represents a eature or object on the ground.

A legend explains what objects or eatures the symbols represent.

Figure 9.0.3 continued illustration of sequence of steps followed for IITG map

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the sketch o the map starts with the layout

o the boundary and with the orientation

i.e. giving the north sign

a b c

ater the boundary was drawn the natural

eatures were drawn with reerence to the

topography o the campus i.e. the water

body, hills, river etc

ater conceiving the general topography o

the campus the circulation within the

campus was defned and marked

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Riv

er

Gh

oram

ar

a

R iv erGho

ramara

Rive

rGhoram

ara

Riv

er

Gh

oram

ar

a

R iv erGho

ramara

Rive

rGhoram

ara

when the circulation (roads) were marked

dierent zones were created with respect

to their unctions and services and colour

when the circulation (roads) were marked

layout o the buildings were created keep-

ing the outline profle and dierent colour

code were assigned to each type o build-

ing

the area assigned and the building layout

were applied together or the general idea

o the map

d e

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River

Gh

oram

a

r a

R iv erGho

ramara

RiverG

horam

ara

Riv

er

Gh

oram

a

r a

R iv erGho

ramara

RiverG

horam

ara

Riv

er

Gh

oram

a

r a

R iv erGho

ramara

RiverG

horam

ara

(Main Gate)

G1

G3(Lathia Bagicha Gate)

G4(Faculty Gate)

G2(ASEB)

TowardsFerry Gh

at 2.5 km>>

the area code and the building layout were

looking too much clumsy, so the area code

was removed

when the area code was removed rom the

map it looked too blank so the size o the

area was altered or the purpose o quick

interpretation o the colour code by the

users

the building layouts were assigned a tag or

a particular number which would carry

inormation when reerred to, in the

legend

g h i

M.Des09

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Legend in MAP for IIT



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g

Figure 9.0.5 options for the format of legend for the mapall dimensions are in meters

Legend for the IIT Guwahati map must be very simple and clear

for the users to inter relate the message required and information

provided.

The size of the letters used in the map must be atleast viewablefrom the distance of 4 meters so that one does not require to get

out from the vehicle to facilitate it.

Different layouts have been tried and tested for the positioning of

the legend part of the map.

Some new words and graphics has been formulated for the IITG

map, so it was necessary to provide those new item in the legend

so that the users dont interpret it wrongly.

The colour coding system was derived from the map zoning part

so that the time required for the users to interpret and inter relate

gets shorten.2.23

1.40 0.55

1.97

0.60

1.60

2.23

0.60

1.60

1.97

1.40 0.55

1.40

1.97

1.40 0.55


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Legend in MAP for IIT



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Figure 9.0.7 FINAL MAP with LEGEND

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TYPOGRAPHY



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Figure 9.2.1 the clues given by the top and bottom part of typeface

We encounter with the fonts in our day to day life, be it from a

small wrist watch or a huge billboard of advertisement. People

see it everywhere and anywhere. The usage of fonts in different

fashion shows the significance of the fonts.

In this part of the chapter I will be explaining and exploring the

fonts used for the purpose of the signage system. Most readable

letters are lowercase letters.

General mistakes to be avoided:

-long passages in capital letters;

-long passages in italic;-printing on colored paper, over tint blocks or over photos;

-use of ornamented or otherwise defaced type.

People read not by looking at each letter of a word, but by looking

at the shape of each words letters. And there are more clues on

the top half of letters than on the bottom, generally speaking.

ignage ystem

Signage System

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DESIGN,

IITGuwahati

FONTS



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Figure 9.2.2 the list of fonts selected for the signage system

ArialAvant arde

CalibiriCastleT

CATIA SYMBOL

Corbel

Franklin Gothic Book

Franklin Gothic Medium

Futura BdCn BT

Futura Bk BT

Futura Md BT

Futura Lt BT

Geometr415 Lt BT

Geometr231 BT

Gill Sans MT

othic

othic 725 Bold BT

andelGotDLig

elvetica

Humanst521 BT

HoratioD e

artika

Kabel Med um BT

Kabel Book BT

Lucida Sans Unicode

Myriad

Tahoma

Swiss 721 Bold Rounded BT

Swiss 721 Bold Outline BT

wiss 721 Bold Condensed Outline BT

egoe UTrebuchet M

Verdana

r

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DESIGN,

IITGuwahati

Experimentation on FONTS



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Figure 9.2.4 Different fonts were tried on same word

elvetica

rial

alibiri

A ministration

m n strat on

Administraon

entury othic Administra tion

AvantGarde Bk BT Administration

CastleT Administration

TI ymbols m n strat on

orbel

TTYogeshEN Normal

Administration

Administration

Franklin othic Book dministration

Franklin othic Medium Administration

Futura Bd n BT Administration

Futura Bk BT Administration

ucida ans Unicode

artika

abel Medium BT

dministration

m n strat on

Administration

abel Book BT Administration

umanst521 BT Administration

oratioDMed Administration

andel otD ig Administration

othic 725 Bold BTl

ill ans MT

Administration

ministration

eometr415 t BT ministration

eometr231 BT Administration

Futura Md BT Administration

Futura t BT Administration

Verdana

A ministration

V Rounded t-Normal

Trebuchet M Administrat ion

Tahoma Administration

wiss 721 Bold Rounded BT

wiss 721 Bold Outline BT

Administration

Administration

wiss 721 o on ense u ne Administration

egoe UI Administration

ans eri

yriad A ministration

r

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DESIGN,

IITGuwahati

Screening of the FONTS



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Figure 9.2.5 Fonts left after the first shortlist

Helvetica

Arial

alibiri

Administration

Administration

Administraon

Century Gothic Administration

AvantGarde Bk BT Administration

CATIA Symbols Administration

orbel Administration

Franklin Gothic Book Administration

Futura Bk BT ministration

ucida Sans Unicode A ministration

Humanst521 BT ministration

Gill Sans MT Administration

Futura Md BT Administration

Futura Lt BT Administration

Verdana Administration

VAGRounded Lt-Normal

Tahoma Administration

SansSerif

yriad A ministration

the shortlisting of the fonts has been done on the

basis of legibility and certain amount of biasness

was also there as there were more than 40 fonts


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FONT SELECTION



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Figure 9.2.7 Fonts left after the 3rd shortlist

HELVETICA: Contemporary typeface that comes from Swiss. It

was introduced in 1957 by the Haas typefoundry and was first

presented in the US in the early 1960's - Sans Serif letter / Both

stroke are equal / comfortable for reading.

c e g mnopqrs uvwxy 12345678abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxy 0123456789

a c e g ij mnopqrstuvwxyz 1 45 9

VAGRounded Lt-Normal

ar

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FONTS & SIZE



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Figure 9.2.8 Suggested letter size as per viewing distance

The size of the font for the signage is guided by certain factors:

-visibility -legibility -clarity -decision time

-speed of the user (vehicle, pedestrian, cycle)

-the angle from which a sign would normally be viewed

-the quality and intensity of the light available-possible obstructions of the sight lines between viewer and sign.

The concept of clear identification pertains to the size and

location of a sign (visibility), the relationship of the sign to the

observer (legibility), and the wording of the message (clarity).

Differences exist with respect to ratios between character size andviewing distance. This means that the character size and,

consequently, the size of the sign must be increased to ensure a

proper degree of legibility for persons who are visually impaired.

The placement of such signs is also critical.

The viewing distances referred to here are pedestrian related,

which means that they are based on an observer who is standing

or walking towards a sign. When determining the character size

for a sign intended for vehicular traffic, the normal speed of traffic

passing the sign becomes an additional factor.

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FONTS & SIZE



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Figure 9.2.9 veiwing angle and distance relationship

Viewing angle

Sign should be placed at a right angle to the observers central line

of vision. Legibility decreases if angle is less than 45 degree.

Viewing distance and displacementThe placement of a sign should be determined in relation to the

observers normal line of vision. Angle of displacement should be

between 5 and 15 degrees.

Viewing distance and character size

The decision concerning viewing distance and character size is

important because it affects the signs legibility and ultimate size.

Traffic speed

Sign intended for vehicle, the 50 or 60 mm size should be

considered for traffic speeds of up to 30 km/h; the 80 or 100 mm

size for speeds of up to 50 km/h; and the 120, 150 or 200 mm size

for speeds of up to 100km/h.

Illumination

Perception of a sign depends mostly on the quality, intensity and

colour of light that falls. Ambient light should suffice, but

operational or site conditions may require special facility.

x

x

not OK OK OK not OK

IDEAL CONDITION

ACTUAL CONDITION

y

y

applying the trignometry the relationship can be established between

x and y, the angle made the hypotenuse to the x is 22.5

so we can say that

but generally we donot look forward in right angle, instead we tend to bend forward and our line of sight is

o

y = x tan 22.5

y = 0.4 x

o

o

y = x tan 15y = 0.25x

approx 11meters

(all dimensions are in meters)

effectiveviewingarea

ign

s gn

sign

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COLOUR



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Figure 9.3.1 colour chart specifing the variations from the primary, secondary and tertiary colour

Prim

ary

Seco

ndary

Tertia

ry

Tertia

ry

Prim

ary

Seco

ndary

Tertia

ry

Tertia

ry

Prim

ary

Tertia

ry

Seco

ndary

Tertia

ry

Variations

1

a b c d e f g h i j k l

2

3

4

5

6

7

One of the most integral part of the design of the signage system are the colours and must be applied

consistently. In wayfinding systems, contrast is important for ease of reading. If coloured lettering is used on a

bright background, the contrast is weak. The optimal contrast is white against dark colours and black against

bright colours.Against a coloured background white lettering always looks best, but only if there is sufficient con-

trast. Even with bright colours, or against dark shades of yellow, white is most effective. Black lettering tends to

merge with the background and make the colour look dirty.

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Figure 9.3.1 Exploration of colours with the fonts for the check of clarity

Not only is the contrast important also the chosen typeface

make the difference in a good or bad sign. When using too

bold weighted typefaces the text look like its expanding of the

sign, when using too light weighted typefaces the text fall back

into its background. Medium or Regular weights are usually

the best options to choose for a good and readable sign.

behaviour

exploration

topography

semiotics

confusion

symbols

campus

icon

contrast

signage

building

circulation

interaction

autocad

light

illustrator

graphic

information

univ

rsa

l

p

eople

topography

code

symbols

maps

screen

legends

illumination

ped

estrian

ana

lysis

research

sem

antics

cartography

size

and

sh

ape

signage

consistencytypographyc

lo

urs

circulation

mental model

directions

ows shad

designfonts

way

finding

univ rsal

cartographyarchitecture

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ARROWS



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Figure 9.4.1 deriving the proportion of the arrow (pointer and tail)

x

x/5x 5

x/5

x

x/4x/4

x/4

x

x/10x

x 10

x

x/20x/20

x/20

i ii iii

iv

v

Arrows contribute a lot in showing the direction and from time

to time the basic shape and feature has not changed. Though

there has always been evolution in the form of the arrow.

My approach for the derivation of the directional arrow is

completely based on proportion and the foreground and back-

ground relationship of the form.

The arrows size is not fixed so a relation was established in

between the enclosing box and the width of the tail and arms.

Few of the options tried are show in the figure.

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ARR W



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Figure 9.4.2 Exploration of arrows

The basic width of the arm and the tail of the arrow has been

kept fixed for proper visibility and clarity. Some of the more

options were tried by altering the sharp edges and reducing and

tapering the tail of the arrow. The concept of double arrows has

also been exploited here and finally got a clue to use that for

showing TOWARDS.


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YOU ARE HERE



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Figure 9.5.2 Exploration for the depiction for YOU ARE HERE in the map

YOU

ARE

HERE

YOU

ARE

HERE

YOUARE

HERE

YOU

ARE

HERE

YOUARE

HERE

YOUARE

HEREYO

U

AR

E

HER

E

YOU

ARE

HERE

YOU ARE

HERE

YOU ARE

HERE

You are here maps are there where it is necessary to show where the

person viewing the map is actually in the map.

You are here icons must convey two messages

- location o the person viewing the map .

- what is the orientation o the person when viewing

the map.

+ =

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ENTRANCE SIGN



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Figure 9.5.1 Exploration for the depiction for ENTRANCE in the map

There are lots of icons for the depiction of the entrance and here

are some of my explorations for the icon of the entrance sign to

IITG campus.

The exploration for the icon of entrance is done on the basis of

foreground and background relation, or simply positive and

negative space.

+ = =

enter in thisdirection

symbol for door usedin architecture

uma

Signage System@Iitg. Deepak.k MDes09

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