In this article, Bill Verplank echoes Poggenpohl’s praise of Interactive design as design of the future. This principle is applicable to situations our group experienced throughout the wayfinding project. For instance, when we conducted prototype testing on sight, we received valuable information from the people in the environment.
Another key point Bill outlined is the concept of “extensions”. He classified anything between him and his environment as an extension. This concept of extensions really broadened my view on what is capable of being designed.
Bill also commented on the practice of integrating computers. Because of the large capacity for function and information, computers have changed the game completely. Computers are electronic, emotionless brains. And as time goes on, we will begin to see these electronis brains in more and more settings.
Because the self is a mirror of the brain, the evolution of the computer will help to create a future to mirror the individual.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Project Summary
The purpose of our project was to provide innovative wayfinding designs to an area lacking proper signage in order to enhance the environment and increase ease of access. Unfortunately, the campus of KU is full of navigational shortcommings and consequently was the perfect focus for this project. In order to create the most useful wayfinding system we could our group’s first focus was upon the importance or necessity of the area. After sifting through preliminary ideas on location, we decided the stacks at Watkins library were ideal for improvement because of their confusing layout and frequency of use by students and faculty of KU.
Following this step, we found it necessary to collect on sight information by going to Watkins to ask the librarians questions about the area as well as take photographs. After visiting the environment we were able to dictate the most direct path to the stacks, visualize preliminary signage, as well as collect floor plans and layouts, making the developement process much easier.
Next, we set forth with drafting and discussing potential wayfinding possibilities. With the environmental context of the library in mind we wanted to create signage that reflected its environment while still fulfilling its purpose as a sign. Accordingly, we thought it would be creative and contextually appropriate to incorporate a simple “falling books” design to use in place of arrows as directional information. Along with the books we also wanted to incorporate a human-like icon to stimulate user relatability.
Once the preliminary system was complete, we needed to collect secondary on-sight information to test ideal coloring, positioning, and size. By conducting this session of signage testing, we were able to find the areas which needed improvement. To increase the signs visibility and attention-grabbing factors, we changed the color, complexity, and applied a bold black outline to all signage. In applying a light blue hue, similar to the one used in this process book, rather than the original purple, the visibility of the system increased considerably. Similar to the change in hue, by applying the bold outline to our designs they took on a certain characteristic which made them stand out from the wall while not being altogether distracting.
After completeing the final step of development, it was time to test the wayfinding system. We began the testing by randomly asking people to participate in a small wayfinding exercise. In the end, we were able to find five test subjects. Of the five, only two were able to fully comprehend the signage and find their way to the destination. Those who did not make it to the destination attributed it to improper sign placement of our last two nodes.
Following this step, we found it necessary to collect on sight information by going to Watkins to ask the librarians questions about the area as well as take photographs. After visiting the environment we were able to dictate the most direct path to the stacks, visualize preliminary signage, as well as collect floor plans and layouts, making the developement process much easier.
Next, we set forth with drafting and discussing potential wayfinding possibilities. With the environmental context of the library in mind we wanted to create signage that reflected its environment while still fulfilling its purpose as a sign. Accordingly, we thought it would be creative and contextually appropriate to incorporate a simple “falling books” design to use in place of arrows as directional information. Along with the books we also wanted to incorporate a human-like icon to stimulate user relatability.
Once the preliminary system was complete, we needed to collect secondary on-sight information to test ideal coloring, positioning, and size. By conducting this session of signage testing, we were able to find the areas which needed improvement. To increase the signs visibility and attention-grabbing factors, we changed the color, complexity, and applied a bold black outline to all signage. In applying a light blue hue, similar to the one used in this process book, rather than the original purple, the visibility of the system increased considerably. Similar to the change in hue, by applying the bold outline to our designs they took on a certain characteristic which made them stand out from the wall while not being altogether distracting.
After completeing the final step of development, it was time to test the wayfinding system. We began the testing by randomly asking people to participate in a small wayfinding exercise. In the end, we were able to find five test subjects. Of the five, only two were able to fully comprehend the signage and find their way to the destination. Those who did not make it to the destination attributed it to improper sign placement of our last two nodes.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Prototype Solution
The process of drafting and re-drafting potential sign possibilities was probably the most crucial step to creating our signage and ultimately achieving the goal of the project. At the onset of prototyping we received a verbal restriction from the library to not place signs hanging from the ceiling. Although this restraint kept us from a few possibilities, it did not prove to be a major hindrance.
In generating and designing possible sign solutions, our groups ideal was to create signage that somehow emulated its purpose or what it was indicating. An example of this within our wayfinding system was making a “Falling Books” design into a directional indicator. By implementing the bold black outline with the bright blue of the signage, it is given the impression of “popping”. This makes the signage more identifiable.
In generating and designing possible sign solutions, our groups ideal was to create signage that somehow emulated its purpose or what it was indicating. An example of this within our wayfinding system was making a “Falling Books” design into a directional indicator. By implementing the bold black outline with the bright blue of the signage, it is given the impression of “popping”. This makes the signage more identifiable.
Environment
Watson Hall is a five story, limestone library on the campus of the University of Kansas. The main entrance opens to the third floor and to a large room broken into different sections. Across from the entrance and to the left is a split level staircase which leads to the lower level of the library and to where an entrance to the stacks may be found most quickly.
Upon venturing deeper into the library towards the stacks, ones ability to navigate becomes impaired because the general lack of wayfinding devices. The repetitive and overbearing feeling one can feel once in the stacks can be disorienting for some people as well.
Upon venturing deeper into the library towards the stacks, ones ability to navigate becomes impaired because the general lack of wayfinding devices. The repetitive and overbearing feeling one can feel once in the stacks can be disorienting for some people as well.
Wayfinding
Improper wayfinding in public places is often confusing and frustrating. For an area which is frequently being visited by new people, the campus of the University of Kansas lacks a few basic directional tools in order to help people navigate.
One place on campus frequented by members of our group Watson Library. For someone who is unfamiliar with the layout of the library, wayfinding can be tricky. One particular area of Watson which is notorious for its signage, or lack thereof, are the stacks.
Inside the stacks wayfinding becomes painful because of the hidden, missing, or faded signage that once indicated location and direction. Small posted paper signs constitute the majority of the wayfinding tools found within the stacks. These are pitiful attempts at creating orienting wayfinding devices. This is why our group found it necessary to select this area as our focus.
Although the stacks lacked many basic wayfinding faculties,we needed to focus our energies on a specific area within the stacks. A curiousity about the stacks which is often confusing is that they are split level stacks. This means there are two stacks per floor, and is the reason why the destination our signage is indicating to, 1 and 1 1/2 East, is denotated accordingly.
One place on campus frequented by members of our group Watson Library. For someone who is unfamiliar with the layout of the library, wayfinding can be tricky. One particular area of Watson which is notorious for its signage, or lack thereof, are the stacks.
Inside the stacks wayfinding becomes painful because of the hidden, missing, or faded signage that once indicated location and direction. Small posted paper signs constitute the majority of the wayfinding tools found within the stacks. These are pitiful attempts at creating orienting wayfinding devices. This is why our group found it necessary to select this area as our focus.
Although the stacks lacked many basic wayfinding faculties,we needed to focus our energies on a specific area within the stacks. A curiousity about the stacks which is often confusing is that they are split level stacks. This means there are two stacks per floor, and is the reason why the destination our signage is indicating to, 1 and 1 1/2 East, is denotated accordingly.
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