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.