OUGD404 - Bookbinding Workshop

OUGD404

Bookbinding Workshop

In this workshop we were taught to bind books in 3 different ways.

Saddle Stitch 

Japanese Binding

Accordion 

OUGD405 - Wayfinding Booklet

OUGD405

Way finding Booklet

To compliment the Underground way finding system I have created a booklet which gives information about the way finding system and the destinations within it. This booklet gives the system more context by explaining the underground spaces. It also incorporates the map of the system and a key of the pictograms. The booklet is inline with the design of the system and includes patterns that were created with the same grid used to create the pictograms to maintain continuity.

OUGD405 - Wayfinding Typeface

Typeface

For the system I created a typeface. I created each character using combinations and variations of one shape. The shape was created in the research stages of this project and it successfully communicates an uneasy feeling as it contains regular angles, it is also very versatile.

The aim was to create a Typeface that would work well as a stencil as it would be spray painted onto the ground along with the other elements of the way finding system. The typeface had to be consistent with the system. By using this shape the typeface should have fit with the system as the arrows, logo and pictograms are all based on this shape.

The resulting typeface had some redeeming qualities such as the character if the A and interesting angles produced. However, there are some major faults such as the variance in weight and the difference in x height of many of the characters. The typeface also didn't work when placed in context.

The end result look juvenile and doesn't match aesthetic of the map and pictograms that have been produced. 

I decided to not continue to develop this typeface but pick an existing one to match the feel of the system. The type needed to be sans serif as the map and pictograms had very little decorative flourishes and the aesthetic of the system is harsh and functional. London Underground also uses a sans serif typeface and I wanted to continue the link between the tube way finding system in London and the hidden underground way finding system in Leeds. My first Instinct was to chose Futura as it is a sharpe typeface, however, the letters were too rounded and the finished look was too polished for a publication that aimed to translate the atmosphere of being underground.

Futura

Instead I chose to use the typeface Open Sans Condensed Bold, a condensed type that made a greater impact than futura.

Open Sans Condensed Bold

OUGD405 - Wayfinding Colour Scheme

Colour Scheme.

I based the way finding colour scheme on areas in Leeds which the system will be placed.  I did this by taking pictures and sampling colours from the images. The best results came from the closed Merrion Centre underpass as it contained oranges from traffic cones and blues from decaying advertisements and posters.

I narrowed the choice to 2 colour schemes

To decide which scheme worked best I put them into context.

The first colour scheme works well as it is more cool toned, the second scheme is much warmer. The first one is more suited to the system as the cold tones reflect the feeling of being underground.

OUGD405 - Wayfinding Final Crit

Final Crit

In this crit I presented my pictograms, arrows, map and booklet. 

It was suggested that the pictograms did not blend well into the system and I should consider redesigning them so the overall system has a greater consistency. 
I redesigned the pictogram using a grid, similar to that used by Otl Aicher then he designed the pictograms for 1972 Munich Olympics. I based my grid on the logo of my way finding system. 

The results are pictograms that are more consistent with the system its self as well as each other. I have chose to place the pictograms in hexagons rather than triangles to reinforce its consistency with the system. 

OUGD405 - Wayfinding - Harry Beck's Tube Map

OUGD405

Harry Beck’s Tube Map.

For my wayfinding system, I wanted to create a map in the style of the London Underground as my wayfinding system is based around the hidden spaces under the streets of Leeds. In order to create a well-informed interpretation, I conducted some research on the designer of the tube map.

The map was designed by Harry Beck in 1933. Instead of emphasising distance or geographical accuracy, Beck based his design on circuit diagrams which allowed the complicated rail network to be stripped down into a neat diagram. It was considered a very radical approach at first but the public responded well to the design. It allowed passengers to know how to get from one station to another as efficiently as possible and where to change lines.

My map will be efficient but use a colour scheme that is appropriate to my overall design.

I have applied Harry Beck's design to my system

My design only uses horizontal and vertical lines to direct the user. The background shows the main motorway that runs through Leeds to give a perspective of the area that the map covers. I have also includes hexagons, the smaller the hexagon the closer the user is to the city centre. 

OUGD405 - Signage Systems and Information Graphics

OUGD405

Notes on:

Signage Systems and Information Graphics by Andreas Uebele

Eye level is 163cm above ground, however signs should not be placed at eye level as it is easily swamped, a good height is around 145cm.

Information at a trade fair or airport must be high up where it can be read above people’s head.

A condensed font with large apertures lends itself well to wayfinding systems as it takes up less space. It should ideally have a high x-height, as this reinforces legibility.

Plain and functional type works best such as Univers, Helvetica, and News Gothic Bold. The type must work in a large format and blend in with the architectural features of their surroundings. Sans serif fonts are more appropriate than serif fonts. Although serif founds are considered easier to read due to the individual features of each letter, it is not a relevant argument when designing wayfinding systems. This is because there tends to be little writing, therefore functionality is more important.

Pictograms:

For the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, Otl Aicher and Gerhard Joksch designed a system of pictograms that is still in use today. Olt Aicher’s pictograms use a grid and take on a high degree of abstraction.

Arrows:

There are two types of arrow design, one where the terminals of the arrow head run parallel to the shaft and the other where the terminals cut off at right angles. The terminals of the first design seem aggressive whereas the second design is more geometrically distinct.