GdAM Midterm

Hello GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology GdAM In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Graphic design + Architecture + Multimedia Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

1 To redefine our preconceived 2 To work collaboratively with notions of wayfinding an interdisciplinary team Complex problems require more than a Collaboration brings people together step-by-step process, and wayfinding is from different disciplines to effectively not only about physical signage. explore ideas that generate valuable new outcomes. GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology Wayfinding: In practice @ NU how, what, why? Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Imagine: You walk out of a plane into an airport you’ve never been to. Now what? GdAM

Momentarily disoriented “...you scan the space to find clues that will lead you where you want to go.” GdAM

Northeastern isn’t an airport. (it’s much more confusing) People Coming & Going students subway to classroom faculty vehicle to gym staff bus to their office community foot to eat tourists bikes to the other subway perspective visitors first time to the MFA parents every day to an attraction visiting lecturers passing through to a play conference goers to a gallery barack obama to a parking lot to a dorm to a hockey game ... GdAM

why? GdAM

Why do we need wayfinding? 1 2 3 4 5 To direct people To provide a To attract and To elevate the To maintain a (duh) better user retain your perceived consistent experience “customers” “status” brand image GdAM

What do we mean, exactly? It’s a system-based approach It’s physical It’s also digital By setting up rules for an entire The most obvious application is on New technologies can make wayfinding wayfinding system, we can ensure campus signage. But think about the more intuitive by giving the user real- consistent delivery across applications breadth of applications there: time feedback. Still, these technologies – even those we might not know about must fit in with the physical elements. currently. Consider: Directionals On-Campus Maps Northeastern Website Brand + Identity System Personal printed maps iPhone app Typography guidelines Building signs other mobile apps? Photography guidelines Flags on street poles Displays screens Materials usage/procurement Room signs Kiosks Sign shop Parking lots/garages Facebook & Social Media External building treatments Sports venues MBTA stations On-campus businesses In-building signage ... GdAM

How will we achieve this? 1 Research 2 Design 3 Prototyping and testing This is what you’re looking at. Our findings will inform our next phase GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Phase 1 Discipline-based knowledge gathering Urban Form Nodes and Centers Nodes are the points in a city where a Branding Standards visitor can enter and often travel to. Currently: Mobile They may be junctions, transit centers, concentrated areas whose importance LogoType come from use or physical character, or The redesign of the Northeastern logo marked a fun- the convergence of paths. damental shift in the way the university is perceived both by its students and the communities that it ex- ists in (local and global). A modified version of the font Baskerville was developed specifically for the word mark and the seal is a revision of the 1935 hand “Discover Northeastern” drawn version. uses a Google map combined with simple explaina- tions of building utilization. A good starting point, but many opportunities for improvement. 2008 Rebrand Korn Design When used in a four color process the “Go Huskies” seal appears in PMS Warm Gray 11 is the athletic department app. It has team scores, with the word mark in “Northeastern standings, links to articles, news photos, and even NU RED WARM GRAY 11 BLACK Red” (0, 100, 90, 5) CMYK. There are CMYK CMYK K plays the “Husky Fight song” youTube video. black and white versions of the Logo- (0, 100, 90, 5) (0, 13, 30, 76) (100) Type as well. 0 75 375 GdAM GdAM GdAM DESIGN Branding standards, sign- ARCHITECTURE Morphology, urban INTERACTIVE Web, mobile, kiosks. making process, current state of form, pedestrian traffic, green space. wayfinding at Northeastern. GdAM

Phase 2 Human-centered research LOOK Observe the way that user ACT Interact with other systems that ASK Conduct interviews and hand out groups interact with the campus as may shed some light on how we can blank maps that will tell about user an environment, both physically and improve our own. experiences with campus wayfinding. virtually. GdAM

Phase 3 Synthesis AMALGAMATION Through a shared process, overlapping human-centered insights were revealed. GdAM

800 photographs 200 slides 120 minutes of video 50 interviews 50 maps + countless hours of analysis GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU In practice Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation What is Northeastern doing about wayfinding now? Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Current wayfinding elements Tunnels Curry Student Center Information Desk & Work Terminals Currently on campus Displays rrently on campus Currently on campus Curry Student Center The tunnels that connect different Current Map of the tunnel system at ur canvassing of the campus we no- Possible uses: buildings on campus are barren of any Desk Information Northeastern University. Buildings are d an incredible number of flat panel & Work Terminals sort of helpful directional information. denoted by color and there is a map Directional Wayfinding / is set up right be- at the entrance to every tunnel. How- Navigation vision displays. The one feeling we The only sort of map fore one enters the tunnels. The empty ever, once inside the tunnels it is not e all left with after seeing them, was Student generated content offer a hallways of the tunnels could clear which direction you are walking or we wanted more. It is clear that great opportunity for new wayfinding where you are going. y aren’t being used to their full po- Standardize submission could become signage. The tunnels process for more user-friendly and allow for easier ial, but what is that potential? current artwork so that it signage system. navigation with a new matches di- mensions of the screen. Create adaptable touch screen technol- Curry Student Center GdAM ogy to outfit screens with for interactiv- Indoor Quad sibleLocated next to uses: Detail viewity. map of the Shillman Hall and in GdAM

Kiosks &wayfinding elements Current Flat Maps Currently on campus Located in Located outside the Snell Krentzman Quad. Library Quad GdAM GdAM

Interactive Web Mobile GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Boundaries Boundaries: Insight Physical Orientation & Insight balancing identity ntegration Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Boundaries: balancing identity ntegration & The idea behind this goal is to retain Northeastern’s identity as a university, while at the same time, effectively integrating the campus into the surrounding communities. We understand the intentions of the NU Planning department and wayfinding committee to have similar intentions. GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Identity currently perceivable, flags define campus within the city. Do you feel Northeastern blends with the community/ its surroundings? Student A “I think the university definitely blends into the community. The only thing that actually lets you know you are on campus are the flags that say Northeastern.” GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Integration defining characteristics, connection with surrounding areas, community interaction with campus. Do you feel Northeastern blends with the community and Student B its surroundings? “You can tell when you’re on campus. I don’t feel that it’s that different from the surrounding neighborhood up and down Huntington, or even over on Columbus.” GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Ruggles: A Portal... a portal by definition, circulation to and from campus, breaking boundaries. GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration ...an Imposing Barrier Orange line’s presence on campus, seperates Columbus from campus. Have you felt imposing barriers when entering and leaving campus? Student C “The most imposing barrier on campus is the orange line of the T and Ruggles station.” GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Initiatives gateways ≠ barriers, a definition of interaction, permanent form. The current intentions of the school: ? “...open campus up as a resource and as a portal, not a barrier to the surrounding neighborhoods.” Planning Dept. GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Harvard the definition of a gateway, implies a closed/segregated space, unwelcoming. If campus gateways were to be designed, how would you imagine them? Students D & E “Noticeable to inform people they’re on campus, but not overly huge.” “Probably small and subtle would be best in our urban setting.” GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Terminology loaded terms & preconceived notions, importance of clearly defined words. por·tal (n.) “A doorway, entrance, or gate, especially one that is large and imposing.” gate·way (n.) “An opening or a structure framing an opening, such as an arch, that may be closed by a gate.” -American Heritage Dictionary GdAM

BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Implications Where will indicators be placed? How do you feel about making this more literal What will be the implications? with actual “gateways” at Student F the edges of campus or on major streets? What will the spaces around the wayfinding elements become? “I feel that when you walk onto campus from the surrounding area it is fairly obvious [that you are at Northeastern].” GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Physical orientation: Insight Pathmaking Creating a frame of reference Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Physical orientation: Creating a frame of reference IN GENERAL physical orientation is crucial AT NORTHEASTERN there are a unique set to a user’s ability to understand and of factors that shape the way physical successfully navigate their environment. orientation happens and the adverse By creating a frame of reference we reactions that occur when people can’t are able to orient ourselves in a space orient themselves and effectively move from one point to another. User routes are complex, involving many turns, shortcuts, longcuts, and This is the foundation of wayfinding. non-orthogonal paths. Many of the landmarks people use to navigate campus are unexpected and Photo of a hand-drawn map asking people to identify their challenge what we traditionally think most traveled routes of as a landmark. Getting lost affects practical day to day routines, but It can also affect people more abstractly by changing the way they feel about a place. GdAM

“Sometimes it’s clear, sometimes impossible. It’s simple once you know it but so difficult to explain... There isn’t enough signage. It’s basically impossible to tell someone how to get from Forsyth Street to the library.” – A tour guide on giving directions GdAM

PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of Reference Getting lost “Didn’t we cross this street before?” “We asked the person in the parking garage for directions and he pointed A mother to her daughter, a potential us this way. We looked here. Now we’re Northeastern student assuming it’s that way.” Family of a potential student on a hunt for the dining halls. GdAM

PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of Reference “It’s the building with the husky wearing neon green Landmarks headphones in front.” EXPECTED landmarks were identified as Newer buildings on campus which UNEXPECTED landmarks were located architectural, sculptural, or otherwise are tall and visible from great distances. where people congregate, there is planned to be central and identifiable. provide great reference points. food, or something anomalous with the Campus green spaces and points of landscape occurred. These landmarks public transportation also become key reveal the overlapping parts of daily reference points as they establish two routines and habits, and the places that parallel boundaries to the campus. students use the most. GdAM

PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of Reference Scenic vs. direct routes A B PATHwAyS AND ROUTES around STUDENT DRAwN mAPS Show a simplified Northeastern’s campus are actually mental map of campus, while traced quite simple. The problem lies in the on an actual map reveal how complex fact that there is no simple and direct people’s routes actually are. way from point A to point B. GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Pathmaking: Insight Consistency Learning from frequent users Precedents Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Pathmaking: Learning from frequent users To improve wayfinding on campus, we should adapt to the way frequent users already use campus spaces. GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Paths on campus are circuitous. Students become familiar with the best ways to get around certain areas of campus, while they remain relatively unfamiliar with others. GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users “ You just got to let it happen and hopefully you come out where you need to be.” GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Location of program Residence Halls Academic Buildings Student Service Buildings GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Grouping of academic program Art + Design Business Engineering Science GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Circuitous paths lead to increased familiarity. Students spend most of their time where their classes are located. Students have comfort zones. GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Art + Design Zone GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Business Zone GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Engineering Zone GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Science Zone(s) GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users “I walk down Hemenway, cut across the Or down Hemenway to Forsyth Street... North Lot and walk through Krentzman cross Huntington and down toward West Quad to Robinson... Village, but cut across before Kariotis next to Willis and into Behrakis... I have never been lost in the four years I’ve been here.” GdAM

PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users “ As a fifth year senior, I thought I finally knew the campus...until someone asked me how to get to Robinson Hall and all I could do was point them to a map. Turns out all I really know is Ryder.” GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Consistency: Precedents A tool not a goal Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

Consistency: a tool not a goal We visited six different campuses in the greater Boston area to get a general idea of how schools give themselves an image and identity. Through internet sources, on campus buildings, and signage we found some schools had better wayfinding systems than others. Northeastern should use consistency throughout campus but as a tool, not an overall goal. Using consistency as a tool will allow for creativity in the production of an identity on campus. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency Northeastern has started to give itself an identity through Northeastern University consistent signage. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency Some of the names on the buildings stay consistent with the Northeastern University Northeastern Identity. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Then there are the rest .... Northeastern University GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency: a tool not a goal consistency as a goal consistency as a tool Consistency as a tool allows for ... creativitiy, adaptability, individuality, and scalability. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a goal: Bentley University Consistent gateway design as identity markers leave little room for individuality GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a goal: Bentley University walkway vs. vehicle current events signage directionals for users in pathways vehicles The sign for any specific user group building signage parking lot user directions for users who is not easily identifiable distinctions are walking GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University Consistency used as a tool on campus allows for creativitiy, adaptability, individuality, and scalability. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Consistency is used as a tool, where the signs still function as an identity marker for BU but are appropriate in overall design for their specific function. Boston University campus markers campus section towers building signage department signage parking signage sports signage GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: BU uses elements consistently across campus that are easily recognized but each has their own individual character and information. Boston University GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University BU uses elements consistently across campus that are easily recognized but each has their own individual character and information. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University The signage for the buildings called “The Castle,” and the “Deutsches Haus,” are perfect examples of how BU uses consistency as a tool. The user can still recognize that the sign indicates a BU building but with an appropriate design for the building itself. GdAM

CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University The consistency of the individual building towers and the department signage affixed to the building allows for the permanent signage of the building to reflect its identity and architectural style. GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Precedents: How are other organizations using Solutions? wayfinding effectively? Next Steps GdAM

Surrey Hills Library Consistency + sympathy to materials The directories, in sympathy to the materials they exist within, are designed to feel like large tilted switches or books roughly stacked. Each module not only holds the description of the destination but also tilts towards that destination. GdAM

North Glasgow College GdAM

Monash University GdAM

Interactive wayfinding – Mobile GdAM

Interactive Wayfinding – New Technologies GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Solutions? Next Steps GdAM

How will we achieve this? 1 Research 2 Design 3 Prototyping and testing This is what you’re looking at. We’ll begin designing possible solutions By rapid protoyping and more user test- Our findings will inform our next phase to the problems we have uncovered ing, we’ll be able to arrive at the best and the best practices revealed through solution. precedents. The best will be chosen for testing. ^ Perhaps this is where we would turn our work over to the University. GdAM

Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology What do you think? In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation Insight Pathmaking Insight Consistency Precedents Solutions? Next Steps Next steps & deliverables GdAM

GdAM Midterm

by pasteinplace on May 01, 2010

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GdAM Midterm — Presentation Transcript