Way Finding Research - Vincent De Boer

Design Process – Wayfinding

Signage: graphic designs, as symbols, emblems, or words,used especially for identification or as a means of giving directions or warning.

Brief: A sign system is basically an interpretation of a space. By suggesting a way from A to B, the sign system shows its selective nature: of all possible ways to go from A to B, the sign system shows only one. In this studio brief we want you to focus on this subjective nature. We want you to design a personal sign system – your own interpretation of the spaces around you. We expect to see poetic signs, imaginary sign systems, conflicting sign systems, etc.

Paul Mijksenaar: Mijksenaar is a specialist designer in creating objective visual information systems, such as wayfinding signage for railway stations and airports.

[After explaining why English should be the dominant language in all international airports, he continues by writing that airports in English-speaking countries should only use English and never a second language, because such usage of a second language would “patronize the traveller who doesn’t speak English, and who will never learn English if things are made too easy for him/her”. Here Mijksenaar shows his subjectivity: his view on multilingual signs is based on a personal viewpoint (the ideas that everybody should learn English), and not on the functionality of the sign system (the idea that everything should be “as easy as possible”).] - Taken from brief 

“It’s quite an art to help people navigate in spaces.”

“grandma would navigate based on the signage, whereas her 17-year-old grandson would use a smartphone”

"We’ve learned a lot over the years about what works and what doesn’t. From colour contrasts to pictogram recognition, to type sizes and reading distances. So, we don't reinvent the wheel. We take proven concepts and add our expertise and creativity to make projects unparalleled."

 

Whereas Vincent de Boer is a more subjective designer and his work based on based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions: