Masters project

Pedestrian
for the City of Chicago
By: Alireza Karduni
Final Project for
Masters of Urban Planning and Policy
Adviser: Charles J. Hoch
University of Illinois at Chicago
College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs
Department of Urban Planning and Policy

Page 3
Table of Contents
• What is a pedestrian wayfinding
system?
• Benefits of a wayfinding system
• What does a pedestrian wayfind-
ing system offer?
• Why does Chicago need a pe-
destrian wayfinding system?
• What needs to be studied?
• What goes into a wayfinding sys-
tem?
• How does this plan go through ?
• Who walks in Chicago? and how
that affects wayfinding.
- Population, race, ethnicity, and
language
- Age and persons with disabilities
- Tourists
- Different neighborhoods
• Pedestrian flow and Decision
points
• Existing Chicago wayfinding and
signage systems
- Major regional and citywide way-
finding elements
- cta
- Divvy
- Metra and Pace
-RTA
- Other local wayfinding elements
- Remarks on Chicago’s existing
wayfinding situation
• Wayfinding Goals
• Wayfinding Objectives
• Wayfinding Strategies
• Priorities
Design Stage
• Flow of information
• Signage elements
- Identifier section
- Location section
- Directional information
- Neighborhood map
- Area map
- Legend and information
• Signage design
• Users’ experience
• Other design challenges
• Remarks on maintance and
management
• Appendix
Conceptual Stage Current Situations Planning Stage Design Stage

Page 5
Executive Summary
Pedestrian wayfinding systems are
designed information elements, such
as signs and maps, with the goal of
providing the information pedestrians
need at locations they need it the
most.
City of Chicago is a world-class desti-
nation for tourism, and also is home to
a diverse and vibrant population. with
the city’s current emphasis on improv-
ing pedestrian and bicycle infrastruc-
ture, improving the information infra-
structure of the city becomes crucial.
A pedestrian wayfinding system for
Chicago can benefit the city in nu-
merous ways besides improving the
pedestrian experience. By having a
better knowledge of the city, tourists
and residents are encouraged to ex-
plore different parts of the city and
take advantage of Chicago’s full po-
tential. Economic prosperity , healthi-
er lifestyles, and less traffic congestion,
are only few of the benefits of having
a robust wayfinding system.
• The goal of this document is to pro-
vide a guideline and framework
for future wayfinding and signage
projects in the city of Chicago.
this plan goes through by first explain-
ing some basic concepts about way-
finding and what current chicago
policies support wayfinding.
Then a planning process is designed
by researching current chicago poli-
cies, other wayfinding plans from cit-
ies of simillar scale to chicago in the
world, and wayfinding literature.
After creating a conceptual frame-
work for this document, a study of the
current situations in Chicago that sup-
port wayfinding is done. This part pro-
vides some key findings :
• Tourists, senior citizens, students,
and persons with disabilities are
some of the major populations in
need of wayfinding.
• Some neighborhoods in Chica-
go might need wayfinding with a
second language besindes English.
• There is no wayfinding system
currently in place that focuses on
varying needs of pedestrains.
• The Transit Friendly Development
study done by City of Chicago pro-
vides guidance on different char-
acteristics of Chicago neighbor-
hoods.
• Some areas in Chicago have
special wayinding needs such as
university campuses and the Loop.
Based on the findings of current situ-
ations study, and best practices from
various wayfinding plans throughout
the world. A set of Goals, Objectives,
and Strategies are identified. Some of
the main wayfinding goals are:
• Encourage walking as opposed
to driving
• Create and promote options for
a healthier lifestyle for residents
• Encourage exploration of all of
Chicago’s assets
• Increase public transit ridership
• Emphasize on different char-
acteristics of Chicago’s neighbor-
hoods
Objectives and Strategies are guide-
lines to help future wayfinding proj-
ects achieve the defined goals.
Three levels of priorities are then de-
fined for different neighborhoods in
Chicago based on how much they
need wayfinding.
• High priority for neighborhoods
that need immediate wayfinding
plans
• Medium priority for neighbor-
hoods that will need need wayfin-
ding with future developments.
• Low priority for neighborhoods
that are mainly residential and do
not create a lot of pedestrian traffic
At the next stage, a Schematic flow
of information diagram is designed, To
help designers create wayfinding sig-
nage that can achieve all the goals in
this plan.
Based on the diagram, Two prototype
signs for UIC and Loop are designed
to demonstrate how information can
be designs based on the flow of infor-
mation.
The signs include different elements:
• Unique branding for the signage
• Information about the user’s cur-
rent location
• directional information to major
destinations in the area
• Information on the wherabouts
of different neighborhoods around
the user
• A 15 minute walk neighborhood
map with information about some
of the major destinations
• A 5 minute walk area map that
shows details about destinaions,
transit choices, and streets.
• Sources for more information

Page 9
Conceptual stage
What is a Pedestrian Wayfinding
System?
What Does a Pedestrian Wayfinding
System Offer?
What are the Benefits of a Wayfind-
ing System?
A wayfinding system offers informa-
tion about the surrounding area, im-
portant destinations, best routes, Tran-
sit stations, Travel time; it’s a unified
system of elements that will answer
most of questions a pedestrian might
ask during a trip.
These questions can be asked in
through different stages of a way find-
ing process. This process can be cate-
gorized in three groups:
-Decision making:
Decision making is the beginning of
a trip, where a pedestrian decides to
do an activity or go to a certain des-
tination
A wayfinding system does more than
just connect to different points in the
city. It orients pedestrians and im-
proves their walking experience. It
helps to identify and connect places.
It simulates economic growth with in-
creasing number of people walking
by businesses. It encourages explora-
tion and discovery. It promotes walk-
ing and can impact the public health
of residents. It can reduce reliance on
automobiles and promote using pub-
lic transit and walking.
A wayfinding system is more than
just answering questions. A well-de-
signed sign can seamlessly transfer
information to the pedestrian and by
connecting people to place; it can
create a sense of place. By introduc-
ing unknown places and areas to us-
ers; signs become a great addition
to users’ sources of information such
as smart phones and physical maps
of the area. By locating information
where the user needs it and easily
transferring it, the user gains more time
to pay attention to all the elements in
the environment.
City of Chicago is trying to promote
walking as an important mode of
transportation. In order to achieve this
goal, various factors such as safety
and accessibility need to be consid-
ered. One of most important but un-
derlooked factors for improving the
pedestrian experience is information.
How people can find out where to
go and how to get there. Pedestrians
use various elements in the environ-
ment to get the information needed
to make the trip.
A pedestrian wayfinding system is a
purposeful and planned set of ele-
ments in the environment, that helps
pedestrians orient themselves, and to
know where they are, how they can
move around, how to get to their des-
tinations, and which mode is suitable
for their trip.
-Wayfinding:
Wayfinding is the process of getting
to the desired destination(s). Travel
mode is also decided at this stage.
The quality of this step has major ef-
fects on a pedestrian’s walking expe-
rience.
-Locating the destination:
This is the conclusion of a pedestrian
trip and where the pedestrian suc-
cessfully locates the destination. This
step plays a major role in a pedestri-
an’s experience and satisfaction.
? Figure 1 Simple wayfinding questions

Page 11
Conceptual stage
Wayfinding stepWhat can the proposed system do?
Decision making
Show major destinations in the area
Show major activities in the area
Wayfinding
Show approximate time to get to the
destination
Show the best route to the destination
Show available modes of travel
Finding the destination
Show the Naming of major urban spaces
Show the Important landmarks
Table 1 Different steps in a wayfinding process Why Does Chicago need a Wayfin-
ding Plan?
City of Chicago is one of the ma-
jor destinations in the United States.
Chicago already has a great transit
system and a great number of world
famous attractions. Chicago already
has a set of plans in place that em-
phasize the importance of increasing
the pedestrian share.
Chicago Pedestrian Plan, Chicago
Cultural Plan, And GoTo 2040 all in-
clude sections that focus on connec-
tivity, place making, public health,
and improving pedestrian access to
transit. A unified wayfinidng system;
other than offering all those benefits
can help City of Chicago utilize all of
it tourism assets.
Chicago Pedestrian
Plan
Create Accesibile
Pedestrian Signs
Eliminate Gaps and
Barriers in the Network
Establish Policies that
Prioritize Pedestrian Access
Improve Pedestrian
Connection to Transit
Access for Persons
with Disabilities
Coordinate with the RTA’s
Interagency Signage Program
Improve Digital
Waynding
Inegrate Art into
Pedestrian Spaces
Improve pedestrian share
in City of Chciago
Chicago Cultural
Plan
Link Neighborhoods
to Each other
Develop a Comprehensive
Cultural Tourism Plan
Some Chicago Policies that are
Related with Waynding
Figure 2 Wayfinding Policies in Chicago
Sources : Chicago Pedestrian Plan , Chicago Cultural Plan
Wayfinding in
Chicago

Page 13
Conceptual stage
What Goes into a Wayfinding Sys-
tem?
Different Categories of Signage
How Does this Plan go through ?
After identifying the benefits of a way-
finding system and the current status
of Chicago. Different signage ele-
ments, their purpose, and the way-
to create them can be determined.
Signage with maps and directions,
handout maps, information booths,
mobile apps are some of the possible
elements of a wayfinding system.
The wayfinding plan for Chicago tries
to create a unified wayfinding sys-
tem for Chicago. In order to achieve
this goal, three cases of successful
wayfinding plans have been studied.
These three plans are Legible London,
Toronto 360, and downtown Austin
wayfinding plan. In order to create a
robust planning process, different ac-
tions and steps taken by each plan
has been identified and categorized
into four stages. Then by comparing
those actions with Chicago’s exist-
ing policies and plans, an optimized
planning process that fits the context
of Chicago has been created.
The four main stages of this plan are:
Conceptual stage, understanding
current situations, planning stage,
design stage, and implementation.
Figure (3) Shows the details of the
current plan’s process.
Most wayfinding systems can be cat-
egorized into several groups of sig-
nage:
-Identification Signs:
This type often provides the name
and function of a place, and acts as
the means to show entrance and/or
transition to a new location.
-Directional Signs:
This type helps to circulate and direct
the users towards their destination, It
gives them the necessary information
to get to major destination in any in-
terior or exterior space that needs it.
Orientation Signs: This type helps to
user to better understand a compli-
cated space and its contents. Dia-
grams, Maps, and directories are the
most common elements used in ori-
entation signs.
-Regulatory Signs:
Describes the regulations that a
place has in order to function better,
such as “no smoking” and “no cars
allowed”1
.
1 Wayfinding Handbook : Information De-
sign for Public Places
Gibson, David , Princeton Architectural press, 2009
Figure 3 Plan process

Understanding
Current
Situations

Page 17
Current Situations
Who Walks in Chicago ? and How
that affects wayfinding.
Population, Race, Ethnicitiy, and
Language
A successful wayfinding system should
pay attention to the users. Users are
the audience of a wayfinding system
who might have different needs and
goals and different cognitive abilities.
To create an effective system, it is of
outmost importance to pay attention
to cultural diversities, disabilities, age,
,tourism, and special activities.
Chicago is one of United States’ larg-
est cities with an estimated popula-
tion of 2.7 million. The diverse popula-
tion of Chicago consists of 45 percent
white, 32 percent African American,
and 28 percent Hispanic or Latino.
• It’s important to create a wayfind-
ing system that can connect to all
major cultures in Chicago
Spanish is the second most spoken
language in Chicago, 24% of the pop-
ulation speak Spanish. 43 percent of
Spanish speaking population speaks
English less than very well. Overall, 16
percent of the Chicago population
speaks English less than very well1
.
• As a wayfinding system needs to
connect to the majority of the pop-
ulation, it’s important to consider
the areas that Spanish language is
spoken in majority.
1 ACS 5 year estimates 2012 - Chicago quick facts
Way-
finding
FOR
EVERY-
ONE
Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping,
Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, and the GIS User Community
American Community Survey 5 year estimates 2011
Race Majority
Majority more than 50 percent
African American
Asian
Hispanic
Other
White
¯Figure 4 Race and Ethnicity majority in Chicago

Page 19
Current SituationsCurrent Situations
Age and DisabilitiesAge and Disabilities Tourism
Chicago has an estimate of 288,000
persons of 65 years and older.
11 percent of the Chicago popula-
tion is considered to be persons with
disabilities. out of the 5 years and
older population , 9.5 percent have
visions or ambulatory difficulties1
.
• It is important to create a wayfind-
ing system that can be used by all
population
• Accessibility for the aging popu-
lation and persons with disabilities
should be a priority
1 ACS 5 year estimates 2012 - Chicago quick facts
5 to 17 18 to 64 65 and
older
Total
420,714 1,793,318 288,212 2,502,244
3,816 30,914 29,433 64,163
Ambulatory 4,719 85,022 88,245 177,986
Chicago is a major tourist attraction in
the United States. In 2012, an estimate
of 46 million people has visited Chicago
. Helping tourists by showing the paths
they can take to their desired destina-
tions, and other tourist attractions in
the area can give them a much better
experience of the city and it can lead
to an increase in visitors1
.
• It is important to emphasize on the
places that attract tourists through-
out the year and promote explora-
tion and walking towards Chicago’s
great assets and tourism attractions.
1 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/
chicago-tourism-numbers_n_3880514.html
Chicago
Theater
Reliance
Building
Brooks
Building
35 East
Wacker
Building
Roanoke
Building
and Tower
New York Life
Building
Fisher
Building
Auditorium
Building
Palmer
House
Hotel
Marquette
Building
Daley
Center
Marshall Field
and Company
Building
Chicago Board
of Trade
Building
Harris and
Selwyn
Theaters
Carson Pirie
Scott & Company
Building
City
Hall-County
Building
300 West
Adams Street
Office Building
Old
Colony
Building
Steuben
Club
Building
One North
LaSalle
Building
Rookery
Building
Jewelers
Building
Pittsfield
Building
Heyworth
Building
Continental And
Commercial National
Bank Building
Chapin and
Gore Building
Inland
Steel
Building
Field
Building
Leiter II
Building
Gage
Group
Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the
GIS user community
Landmarks
Figure 5 Landmarks in Chicago
Data source : http://Data.cityofchicago.org
Table 2 Disabilities by age in Chicago
Source : ACS 5 year estimates 2012 - Disabilities by age

Page 21
Special service areas
City of Chicago has a public transpor-
tation system that operate in neigh-
borhoods with various characteris-
tics. City of Chicago’s transit friendly
development (TFD) study, has stud-
ied activities and land uses around
all CTA rail stations and created a ty-
pology for each station, these typol-
ogies (As defined by the TFD study)
can be used to determine types and
priorities for Chicago’s wayfinding :
-Downtown Core:
Station areas in the Loop and the
other highest desnsity areas of Chi-
cago’s central business district. This
type encompasses the primary cul-
tural center as well as the highest in-
tensity of employment areas of the
metropolitan area.
Major Activity Center:
Station areas servicing a relatively
wide range of densities, urban forms,
and land uses. These areas are out-
side Chicago’s downtown core and
provide high levels of employment,
especially in the retail sector, and
can include special uses like universi-
ty campuses and mixed-use centers.
-Local Activity Center:
Station areas that exist in the cen-
ters of identifiable neighborhoods.
These centers have a mixture of high-
er intensity land uses and are notice-
ably denser than the neighborhoods
that surround them providing a mix of
employment in retail, service, and oth-
er sectors. Some of these centers will
have civic and community uses, but
this is not a defining characteristic of
these areas.
-Dense Urban Neighborhood:
Station areas that are primarily resi-
dential in character but will have some
limited neighborhood supporting retail
uses in scale with the surrounding area
and clustered near the station. These
areas are generally at higher densities
with primarily multifamily buildings and
high-rise buildings.
-Urban Neighborhood:
Station areas in well-established, pri-
marily residential neighborhoods
where retail development exists pri-
marily to support the immediate area.
The urban neighborhoods are often a
mix of multifamily buildings
-Service Employment District:
Areas around stations in the service
employment district are dominated
by large employers in multistory office
buildings, as well as hospitals and uni-
versity facilities. Retail and residential
uses may be located nearby but ac-
tivity is driven by service employment.
Current Situations
DOUGLAS
GRAND
BOULEVARD
KENWOOD
LINCOLN
SQUARE
WASHINGTON
PARK
HYDE
PARK
WOODLAWN
ROGERS
PARK
JEFFERSON
PARK
FOREST
GLEN NORTH
PARK
ALBANY
PARK
PORTAGE
PARK
IRVING
PARK
DUNNING
BELMONT
CRAGIN
WEST
RIDGE
HERMOSA
AVONDALE
LOGAN
SQUARE
HUMBOLDT
PARK
WEST
TOWN
AUSTIN
WEST
GARFIELD
PARK
EAST
GARFIELD
PARK
NEAR
WEST
SIDE
NORTH
LAWNDALE
UPTOWN
SOUTH
LAWNDALE
LOWER
WEST
SIDE
NEAR
SOUTH
SIDE
NORWOOD
PARK
NEAR
NORTH
SIDE
LOOP
SOUTH
SHORE
CHATHAM
AVALON
PARK
SOUTH
CHICAGO
CALUMET
HEIGHTS
ROSELAND
NORTH
CENTER
PULLMAN
SOUTH
DEERING
EAST
SIDE
WEST
PULLMAN
RIVERDALE
HEGEWISCH
GARFIELD
RIDGE
ARCHER
HEIGHTS
BRIGHTON
PARK
MCKINLEY
PARK
LAKE
VIEW
BRIDGEPORT
NEW CITY
WEST
ELSDON
GAGE
PARK
CLEARING
WEST
LAWN
CHICAGO
LAWN
WEST
ENGLEWOOD
ENGLEWOOD
GREATER
GRAND
CROSSING
LINCOLN
PARK
ASHBURN AUBURN
GRESHAM
BEVERLY
WASHINGTON
HEIGHTS
MOUNT
GREENWOOD
MORGAN
PARK
OHARE
EDGEWATER
EDISON
PARK
Copyright: ©2014 Esri, DeLorme, HERE
CTA RailStations
Station Typology
Not in Chicago
Downtown Core
Dense Neighborhood
Local Center
Major Center
Manufacturing District
Special District
Urban Neighborhood
Source : City of Chicago Transit Friendly Development Plan
Figure 6 Station typology as defined by Chicago TFD study

Page 23
Pedestrian Flow and
Decision Points
Current Situations
Various methods can be used to un-
derstand pedestrian flows and be-
haviors in urban areas. Pedestrian
count, Space syntax, Agent based
models, business density, and public
transit ridership data are few of the
methods used to determine these
behaviors. Flows studies can be done
with very fine details or can be gen-
eral and at larger scales.
Decision points are locations where
pedestrians are more likely to make a
decision to choose a path or change
a path towards a destination. Deci-
sion points can also be identified
through various methods, but are
mostly at the street level and are
needed when locating the exact lo-
cations for signage.
In this document, CTA ridership data,
Divvy ridership data, and business
densities have been used to study
pedestrian flows and decision points
at different neighborhoods in Chica-
go.
-CTA ridership:
CTA ridership counts show the flow of
pedestrians into rail stations. This, as
well as the CTA typology study, can
be used to determine the areas that
are most in need of wayfinding.
-Divvy ridesrship:
Divvy is a bike sharing system in Chi-
cago. ridership data available from
Divvy shows flow of bike riders to and
from divvy stations. This can be used
to determine the intensity of pedestri-
an flow with a finer detail.
-Business density:
by using business licenses data from
city of Chicago, routes with a higher
density of businesses that create pe-
destrian traffic have been mapped.
This can be used to determine what
routes from entry points such as CTA
stations to businesses are more likely
to have pedestrian traffic. Figures (7),
(8), and (9) show the results of these
studies.
These studies show general behaviors
of pedestrians in Chicago. Every way-
finding project needs to have a better
understanding of flows and decision
points.
Figure 7 CTA average monthly ridership in 2012
data Source : http://Data.cityofChicago.org

Page 25
Current Situations
Millennium park
Streeter Dr & Illinois St
Lake shore Dr & Monroe St
Michigan Ave & Oak St
Clinton St & Washington Blvd
35000
66
WIrvingParkRd
WDiverseyPky
WNorthAve
WGrandAve
WRooseveltRd
WCermakRd
W35thAve
W47thSt
W59thSt
WBerwynAve
198000
128
Total Trafﬁc By Station
Total Trafﬁc Per
Square mile by
Neighborhood
Loop
Near North
Side
Lincoln Park
Near South
Side
Near West
Side
Lake View West Town
UpTown
DouglasLogan Square
Lower West
Side
Hyde ParkNorth Center
Armour Square
Lincoln Square KenwoodBridgeport
Grand Boulevard
Edgewater
Washington ParkSouth Lawndale
Top 5 Neighborhoods
( Trips per SqMile )
Loop : 198268
Near North Side : 128674
Lincoln Park : 57529
Near South Side : 43837
Near West Side : 40624
Figure 8 Divvy ridership intensity in Chicago neighborhoods
data Source : https://www.divvybikes.com/datachallenge
Figure 9 Normalized business density in Chicago Loop
data source : http://data.cityofchicago.org
Copyright: ©2014 Esri, DeLorme, HERE, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, MapmyIndia, ©
OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community
Normalized Business Density
0.000000
0.000001 - 1.047619
1.047620 - 1.158730
1.158731 - 1.380952
1.380953 - 2.000000

Page 27
Current Situations
Existing wayfinding and signage
systems in Chicago
Major wayfinding systems
in Chicago region
Studying the current wayfinding ele-
ments in the city helps to undersands
the gaps and problems in Chicago’s
wayfinding and design an optimized
system that takes advantage of ev-
ery existing asset.
The existing wayfidning elements in
City of Chicago can be categorized
in two groups, Major city wide and
regional wayfinding systems, and lo-
cal interior and exterior wayfinding. In
this section these different elements
will be analyzed and some gaps and
problems will be identified. 1
1 Credit of all the pictures at this sec-
tion goes to RTA, Pictures are taken by
Alireza Karduni.
There are several agencies that in-
clude wayfinding elements as parts
of their service throughout the Chi-
cago region. Each of these agen-
cies have different purposes and are
applied in different areas. Chicago
Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, Pace,
Divvy, and Regional Transportation
Authority (RTA) each have their own
wayfinding system.
-CTA
The Chicago Transit Authority oper-
ates buses and trains in the city of
Chicago, it offers a consistent system
of wayfinding signage throughout its
operating area. There are different
types of information available inside
CTA bus stops and train stations, as
well as the interior of trains and bus-
es. The CTA signage acts as an iden-
tifier for CTA elements, it also offers
information regarding the operating
hours and area of each certain bus
or train. CTA also installs maps of the
whole CTA system in Chicago in most
bus stops and train stations. Also, di-
agrams showing each bus route and
train are installed mostly inside CTA
Stations and bus stops.
Analysis:
CTA signage is mainly installed inside
or at immediate surroundings of CTA
stations and bus stops. It offers a con-
sistent stream of information regard-
ing routes and services of CTA. It uses
standardized color that makes the
signage identifiable. On the other
hand, there is very a very minimal ef-
fort to introduce the surrounding ar-
eas to pedestrians. Also there is very
little effort made for transfer passen-
gers that have to transfer from one
mode to another through the streets.
-Metra and Pace
Metra and pace are two different
organizations managing regional
train and bus services in the Chicago
metropolitan area. Metra offers time-
tables and directional signs inside its
platforms and boarding areas.
Pace offers signage at pace bus
stops that offer similar information to
CTA bus stops. Due to the complexity
of pace routes, most of the signs do
not offer diagrams of the routes.
Analysis:
Metra and Pace offer standard direc-
tional signs and identification signs in
their locations but the sign locations and
the information offered is less consistent
and useful than CTA’s. There is also very
little signage provided for transfer pas-
sengers between different modes.
Figure 11 CTA station entrance at Har-
old washington Library
Figure 10 CTA bus stop sign at congress
and Financial pl
Figure 12 Metra signage at Oakpark
station, Village of Oak Park
Figure 13 Pace signage at Harlem and
Lake, Village of Oak park

Page 29
Current Situations
-Divvy bikes
Divvy is Chicago’s new bike sharing
system. It has more than 200 loca-
tions though out city of Chicago with
an automated system for renting and
returning bicycles. As part of their sys-
tem, they offer wayfinding signage
at each of their bike docks. The signs
consist of information about the loca-
tion of the station, Divvy usage costs
and regulations , and also two differ-
ent maps showing locations of other
divvy bike stations, in a 5 minute walk
and a 20 minute biking radius. Infor-
mation about Bike lanes, locations
of other modes of public transit, and
some destination information are of-
fered in Divvy’s signage system.
Analysis:
Divvy’s signage is a consistent uni-
fied system that offers a range of
information in a singular format. It is
designed to help bike users to get
around easier by showing the street
layout and some information about
the surrounding environment.
A downside to Divvy’s signage sys-
tem is that all the signs face the bike
docking stations and are blocked by
bikes. The other side is used as space
for advertising and the locations are
not very accessible to pedestrian
traffic.
Figure 14 Divvy station at Racine Ave and Con-
greess Pkwy
-RTA’s Interagency Transfer Passenger
Information Design
RTA acts as a managing organization
for Metropolitan Chicago’s bus and rail
systems and works with Metra, Pace,
and CTA to offer a better overall re-
gional transit system to passengers in
Chicago region.
As part of their goal of offering a bet-
ter public transit system for current us-
ers and improving the ridership of Chi-
cago’s transit system, RTA, created a
wayfinding system specifically for pas-
sengers transferring from one mode to
another and from one agency to an-
other. Through stages of programming,
design, implementation, and mainte-
nance, As to date 4 transfer locations
have been designed and 20 more lo-
cations are in planning and implemen-
tation process. ITPID is the only major
wayfinding project in currently being
implemented in Chicago.
General Principles of ITPID:
-Simplicity and Clarity of messages
-usage of international standard sym-
bols
-providing information at key decision
points
-provide information along the acces-
sible path
-avoid placement of signage and dan-
gerous or confusing signage.
ITPID uses standardized colors, fonts,
and symbols in order to have a unified
and consistent system at all transfer lo-
cations in the chicacgo transit system.
Types of Signs
ITPID uses a trip process through start,
transform and end of the trip to create
signage information and sign types.
Identification signs, Boarding signs,
Time signage, Route diagram signage,
directional signs, and identity maps
and downtown maps are the different
signage elements used in ITPID. These
different sign types are also catego-
rized by the way they are installed.
Examples are wall mounted or free
standing.
Analysis:
ITPID tries to give clear and useful in-
formation to users of Chicago’s pub-
lic transit system. The signage system
is installed in the areas in Chicago re-
gion where there is mode and agen-
cy transfer. The signage is regularly
updated and it offers a vast range of
information on directional signs, maps,
identifiers, diagrams, and timetables.
ITPID has a very specific audience
and may not be as useful to pedestri-
ans that move around with different
purposes. Sign locations are based on
analysis of decision points for transfer
passengers. RTA’s system map that is
used by CTA and Metra too is a rep-
resentation of every bus and rail route
that goes through Chicago and takes

Page 31
a long time to study and learn about
the environment. The directional signs
guide the users to other transit loca-
tions and there are maps designed for
each location to show some of the ac-
tivities around a transit location.
Throughout the city, numerous plac-
es such as Millennium Park, museum
campus, University of Illinois at Chi-
cago, and University of Chicago, use
signage and wayfinding elements.
Majority of signage of this type is di-
rectional while some offer maps
and orientation signage. As they are
mostly not sophisticated wayfinding
programs the information could be out
of date and not very useful.
City of Chicago has a few major agen-
cies that create wayfinding elements
for the city, and based on what’s need-
ed numerous places and organization
create and offer their own wayfinding
elements. This creates an inconsistent
system of signage that might not be
trusted as a useful source of informa-
tion.
Chicago is a major world class tourist
destination. It is a home to various es-
teemed universities. It is a hub to nu-
merous industries, and it is a home to a
diverse population.
A consistent and clear wayfinding sys-
tem throughout the city can help pe-
destrians with very different purposes
move around and bring many benefits
such as economic growth, less con-
gestion, and healthier lives for chica-
go’s residents.
Current Situations
Figure 15 ITPID directional Signage at Vanbu-
ren Metra Station
Figure 16 ITPID diagrams and orientational signage at vanburen metra station
Local Signage in Chicago
Remarks on Chicago’s wayfinding
systems
Figure 17 Orientation sign at Museum Campus
Table 3 Summary of wayfinding services in Chicago
Figure 18 Directional sign at Village of Oak
Park
Signage
source
Types of Signs Users Usage area
CTA al, Regulatory, CTA users
METRA and
Pace
Regulatory, Metra and Pace users
DIVVY
regulatory
DIVVY users
RTA Public transit users
agencies
Other

Page 35
Planning Stage
Current Policy trends in Chicago
and other cities of similar scale in the
world such as Toronto, New York, and
London show that improving the pe-
destrian experience should be highly
prioritized.
Creating urban environments that
are legible and easy to navigate
with should be at the center of these
trends. Wayfinding systems are one
of the methods to help pedestrians
experience the full potential of cities
like Chicago.
Creating a planning and design pro-
cess that streamlines designing a
functional wayfinding system is at the
core of this document. At this stage;
goals, objectives, and strategies
needed to create Chicago’s way-
finding system are identified through
studying and comparing best prac-
tices that are being implemented
throughout major cities in the world.
Goals, objectives, and strategies
mentioned in this document are
gathered through studying wayfind-
ing plans from London, Toronto, and
Austin. Each of the planning docu-
ments have been broken down into
different categories and then com-
pared to Chicago’s situations and
existing policies (see appendix 1).
At the end of this section, Chicago’s
neighborhoods are broken down
into three priority areas. These priori-
ties are a result of the studies done in
the current situation’s section.
It is important to mention that this plan
document does not aim to design a
complete wayfinding system for the
city of Chicago. The main goal of
this document is to create a baseline
and guide for further projects in the
city and emphasize on the impor-
tance of wayfinding systems.
Each new project should be de-
signed based on the needs and de-
tail situations of the stakeholders of
the area. However, in order to have
a consistent city wide wayfinding sys-
tem, further projects should base their
planning process on policies created
through this document.
Wayfinding Goals
Encourage Walking Improve Tourists’ Experience
of Chicago
Create and promote options
for a healthier lifestyle
Improve pedestrian access
to Chicago’s Businesses
Encourage exploration of all
of Chicago’s assets
promote usage of
public transit
Reduce car dependency
and congestion
help to activate chicago’s minorities
and Persons with disabilities
Emphasize on diversities of
different communities in Chicago
Emphasize on users’ local wayfinding
needs

Page 37
Planning Stage
Wayfinding objectives
Highlight key attractions and
major destinations
Orient users towards public
transit locations
Highlight characteristics
of different communities
Integrate a range of
navigation tools
Highlight the benefits
of walking
take advantage of existing
wayfinding elements
Use second language for neighborhoods
with non-english speaker population
Incorporate accessiblity methods
for persons with disabilities
Emphasize on users local wayfinding
needs
Create a unified and recognizable
wayfinding system
Wayfinding strategies
Create unified branding
Create a sense of travel time
and scale
Identifiy Major destinations and
tourist attractions
Prioritize wayfinding for places
that lack it the most
Integrate different wayfinding
elements into the system
Introduce Chicago’s different
communities to the users
Design the flow of information for
each project
wayfinding elements in Chicago should use
a single branding to help users trust and
know their source for information through-
out the city.
Signage should include walking time in dif-
ferent scales so the users can decide their
preferred travel mode with confidence.
This can be integrated into the orientation
maps
Start wayfinding projects for areas that ei-
ther don’t have a useful wayfinding system,
or have one that is not very functional.
Each urban space has different wayfinding
needs, Based on the physical attributes of
the space, the type of information, and the
type and size of signage should be decid-
ed
For each wayfinding project, design a hierar-
chy of information that fits the needs of the
area and the pedestrians walking there. This
means that each neighborhood can have
varying types and flows of information.
Identify different tourist attractions in down-
town and emphasize on other tourist at-
tractions that are underutilized. If there is
a special service such as a university or a
hospital, direct users towards major and im-
portant destinations of that activity
Signage elements should include maps
that show the immediate surroundings of
the user and also maps that show other
neighborhoods and activities in a bigger
scale

Page 39
Planning Stage
Priorities
It is important to note that it is very
difficult to implement a citywide
wayfinding system due to costs of
planning, design, and implemen-
tation. The best way to implement
a wayfinding system for Chicago is
by prioritizing different areas based
on different attributes such as den-
sity, tourist attractions, TFD studies,
etc.
Three levels of priority have been
identified for Chicago’s neighbor-
hoods as a guideline for further
wayfinding projects. Each wayfin-
ding project needs a separate fea-
sibility study and design process in
order to guarantee usefulness and
efficiency of the system.
-High Priority
Areas identified as high priority
are majorly around important and
dense nodes in the city, are well
served by public transit, and cre-
ate higher pedestrian traffic.
-Medium Priority
Areas identified as medium priori-
ty are around major activity nodes
and create high pedestrian traffic.
-Low Priority
The majority of these areas have a
dominant residential use and do not
create much pedestrian traffic.
The different priorities are based on
Chicago Neighborhoods. It is possi-
ble for certain places inside low pri-
ority zones to have a high need for a
pedestrian wayfinding system. Iden-
tifying those areas is a complicated
task and needs a seprate study pro-
cess.
These priority zones do not imply that
every location inside a high priority
zone needs wayfinding elements.
Further projects for each locations
needs to identify smaller areas that
are have a higher need for signage.
Grand
Boulevard
United
Center
Humboldt
Park
Garfield
Park
North
Lawndale
Little
Village
Avalon
Park
Burnside
Calumet
Heights
Pullman
Riverdale
Hegewisch
Douglas
Oakland
Woodlawn
Portage
Park
Hermosa
Avondale
Logan
Square
Little Italy,
UIC
Kenwood
Rogers
Park
Jefferson
Park
Sauganash,
Forest
Glen North
Park
Albany
Park
Irving
ParkDunning
West
Ridge
Uptown
Norwood
Park
South
Shore
Chatham South
Chicago
Roseland
North
Center
South
Deering
East
Side
West
Pullman
Garfield Ridge
New City
Englewood
Grand
Crossing
Ashburn
Mount
Greenwood Morgan
Park
O'Hare
Jackson
Park
Loop
Edgewater
Lake View
Lincoln
Park
Lincoln
Square
Washington
Park
Near
South
Side
Chicago
Lawn
Auburn
Gresham
Beverly
Washington
Heights
Edison
Park
Hyde
Park
West
Loop
Bucktown
Lower
West
Side
Archer
Heights
Brighton
Park
Mckinley
Park
Bridgeport
West
Elsdon
Gage
Park
Clearing West
Lawn
East
Village
West Town
Wicker
Park
Galewood
Montclare
Belmont
Cragin
Austin
Ukrainian
Village
Old
Town
River
North
¯
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Figure 18 priority map for city of Chicago

Page 43
Design Stage
At this step, important implementa-
tion factors for creating a successful
wayfinding system will be introduced.
Details on maintenance and imple-
mentations are to be put into each
individual project that is derived from
this document.
Information flow in Chicago’s wayfin-
ding system should follow these rules.
• Elements should include answers to
typical questions asked a pedestri-
an trip:
-Where am I?
- Where is my destination?
-What is around me?
-I need more information.
• They should also be identifiable and
clearly show the purpose of the sign.
• The information should be present-
ed to the users based on their needs
and have more details as users get
closer to signage
• information should be designed in
a way that is readable for various
groups of people.
• Due to limited space, not all avail-
able information can be presented
The following diagram shows a sche-
matic diagram for flow of information
in Chicago’s wayfinding system.
Flow of information
Chicago’s wayfinding system
branding
Neighborhood’s Name
Locations name or address
15 minute walk map
5 minute walk map
Info
Walking message
Direction arrows to major
destinations
(Number based on the size of sign)
What is this?
Flow of information Purpose
I want to know
more
What is
around
me?
Where is
my destination?
Where
am I?
Figure 19 Information flow
The planning stage of this document
is a guide for designing a system that
incorporates various elements such as
directional information and maps into
a powerful pedestrian wayfinding sys-
tem for Chicago.
This stage creates guidelines and pro-
totypes for designing signage that fol-
low the wayfinding strategies identi-
fied in this document. The design stage
consists of three steps :
-Flow of information:
at this step, a schematic flow of infor-
mation to the users of the wayfinding
system is designed that will be used to
create effective signage.
-Sign design prototypes:
at this step, two demonstration loca-
tions for signage are identified with
different major users. One sign is de-
signed for UIC with major attention to
student users, and one sign is designed
for Chicago Loop with tourists as a ma-
jor audience. These two locations are
used to demonstrate how the informa-
tion flow can be put into signage and
how different audiences effect the
information presented in a sign. Oth-
er design chalngs not included in this
document are mentioned at the end
of this step.
-Remarks on maintenance and imple-
mentation:

Page 45
Design Stage
Sign Design
Identifier Section
Location section Neighborhood Map
Directional Section
Each sign consists of different ele-
ments that are designed based on the
schematic information flow diagram.
At this section, each element is bro-
ken down and each element’s usage
and purpose is explained. At the end
of this section, two prototype designs
for UIC and Downtown Chicago will
be shown.
The identifier section is located at the
top of a sign. A light blue color is used
that is similar to other City of Chicago
projects and Chicago’s flag. Also, a
logo has been designed that is easi-
ly identifiable and shows the purpose
of the sign from approximately 40 feet
away for people with good vision.
The logo design used design elements
similar to other projects managed by
the city such as Divvy and Ventra. This
helps to give a sense of familiarity and
attraction to the sign.
The location section is designed below
the identifier section and shows the
neighborhood of the sign and also a
more detailed location of the sign. The
information is designed in a way to be
easily readable for people with good
vision from 12 feet away and for par-
tially sighted persons from 2 feet away.
Neighborhood map gives a general
view of the area to the user. It’s goal is
to show the neighborhood structure of
the surroundings, some of the most im-
portant destinations, and major tran-
sit stations. A 15 minute walking radius
give’s a sense of scale to the user and
helps him decide what type of mode
he wants to use to get to his destina-
tion.
The directional section guides the us-
ers to the most important destinations
around the sign. The directions are de-
cided based on the proximity and also
the importance of a destination.
This information is also readable from
12 feet and 2 feet for persons with
good vision and partially sighted per-
sons.
UIC-East Campus
School of Architecture
UIC-East Campus
Student Center East
University Hall
Student Residence
and Commons east
UIC-Richard J. Daley
Library
Behavioral Sciences
Building
Jane Addams
Hull-house Museum
5 minute walk C O U C H
L A K E
JUSTINE
NBL
State/LakeAshland-Lake Clinton-Lake
Clark/Lake
Morgan
Neighborhood Map
UIC-East Campus
Student Center East
University Hall
Student Residence
and Commons east
Library
Jane Addams
Hull-house MuseumFigure 20 Identifier section
Figure 21 Location section
Figure 21 Directional section
15 minute walk
WACKERLO
W
E
R
J A C K S O N
CLARK
V A N B U R E N
A D A M S
R A N D O L P H
C O U C H
A R C A D E
L A K E
C O U R T
FRANKLIN
W A S H I N G T O N
R O O S E V E L T
T A Y L O R
DESPLAINES
CLINTON
HALSTED
WELLS
PEORIA
SANGAMON
GREEN
CARPENTER
WILLARD
ELIZABETH
ADA
KENNEDY
JEFFERSON
1 4 T H
H A S T I N G S
RACINE
RUBLE
1 3 T HO
G
D
E
N
LOOMIS
L
U
M
B
E
R
B
LU
E
IS
LA
N
D
L E X I N G T O N
ASHLAND
C A B R I N I
THROOP
EISENHOWEREXPY
W A R R E N
MILLER
ABERDEEN
EMERALD
F L O U R N O Y
C O N G R E S S
LAFLIN
9 T H
P O L K
DELANO
1 1 T H
MADISONST
JUSTINE
SHIELDS
LASALLE
M A X W E L L
KENNEDYMADISONST
LYTLE
G R E N S H A W
PLYMOUTH
CIRCLE
KENNEDYJACKSONBL
V E R N O N P A R K
FEDERAL
Q U I N C Y
DEKOVEN
FINANCIAL
M A R B L E
F I L L M O R E
NEWBERRYACADEMY
MAY
LIB E R T Y
BISHOP
W A S H B U R N E
G L A D Y S
C O T T A G E
R U N D E L L
MARSHFIELD
EISENHOWER ASHLANDAV
CHICAGORIVER
WACKER
DANRYAN
MORGAN
CANAL
S
B
R
A
N
C
H
CHICAGORIVER
UNION
KENNEDYWASHINGTONBL
PAR
K
RIVERSIDE
Washington/Dearborn
LaSalle/Van
Buren
State/Lake
Lake/State
Ashland-Lake Clinton-Lake
Monroe/State
UIC-Halsted Clinton-Congress
LaSalle
Clark/Lake
Jackson/Dearborn
Washington/Wells
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Quincy/Wells
Racine
Library
Morgan
H A R R I S O N
Student
Services
Building
Pavillion
UIC
Library
University
Hall
Student
Center
East
UIC
Foroum
University of Illinois at Chi
Little Italy
University Village
Greek Town
South Campus
East Campus
West Loop
Near South
Side
Loop
WestCampus
UICMedicalCenter
West town
UIC Medical Center
West Campus
UIC Medical Center
Figure 22 Neighborhood Map for UIC

Page 47
Area Map Legend and information Sign Dimensions
The area map gives details about the
immediate surroundings of the user. It
shows most of the major destinations
in the area, immediate transit options,
and biking options. A 5 minute walk-
ing radius helps the user to plan his trip
and explore the area.
The legend section of the signage
helps the users take full advantage of
the neighborhood and area map. This
part is crucial to understanding the el-
ements in the map and is designed to
easily utilize the wayfinding maps.
The information section shows the user
options to get more details about the
area.
Design Stage
RANDOLPH SUB
WABASH
ORLEANS
WABASH
LOWER
STATE
LASALLE
LAKE
MICHIGAN
W
ACKER
RAMP SOUTH WATER
FRANKLIN
RANDOLPH
MONROE
GARLAND
WACKER
MADISON
WASHINGTON
HADDOCK
COUCH
COURT
CALHOUN
ARCADE
BENTON
ADAMS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MARBLE
HOLDEN
BEAUBIEN
POST
Washington/Dearborn
Madison/Wabash
Randolph/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Monroe/State
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Haskell-Barker-Atwater
Buildings
Site of the
Sauganash
Hotel/Wigwam
Chicago
Theater
Reliance
Building
35 East
Wacker
Building
Roanoke
Building
and Tower
New York Life
Building
Delaware
Building
Old Dearborn
Bank Building
Palmer
House
Hotel
Lake-Franklin
Group
Marquette
Building
Daley
Center
Marshall Field
and Company
Building
Carbide
and Carbon
Building
Majestic
Building
and Theater
Carson Pirie
Scott & Company
Building
City
Hall-County
Building
300 West Adams
Street Office
Building
Page Brothers
Building
Steuben
Club
Building
One North
LaSalle
Building
Rookery
Building
Jewelers
Building
Trustees
System Service
Building
Pittsfield
Building
Heyworth
Building
ContinentalAnd
Commercial National
Bank Building
Oliver
Building
Chapin
and Gore
Building
Chicago Public
Library/Cultural
Center
Washington
Block
Inland
Steel
Building
Field
Building
Gage
Group
Chicago
Building
Chicago Motor
Club Building
Millennium Park
The bean
Grant Park
The art
Institute
of Chicago
5 minute walk
Figure 23 Area map for Downtown (Loop)
1
2
3
4
Downtown (Loop)
Washington and Dearborn
Chicago River
City Hall
Millennium Park
Richard J. Daley Center
Michigan Avenue
Grant Park
Willis Tower
Neighborhood Map
Area Map
CTA Train Station
(Color Corresponds with Line)
Your Location
(Arow shows your facing direction)
Neighborhoods close to you
CTA line (Color Corresponds with Line)
Multiple CTA lines
CTA Bus Stop
Divvy Station
Important Destination
Pedestrian Path or Sidewalk
Automobile path
Legend
JACKSON
MICHIGANLOWER
RIVERW
ALK
STETSONLOWER
WABAS
HLOW
ER
ORLEANS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MICHIGAN
STCLAIR
SOUTH
WATER
LOWER
GRAND
CLARK
HUBBARD
POST
LAKE
CALHOUN
GARVEY
RANDOLPH
ILLINOIS
COUCH
COURT
WACK
ER SUB
WABASH
MAC
CHES
NEY
NORTH
WATER
LOWER
VAN BUREN
FRANKLIN
MADISON
RUSH
WACKERRAMP
DESPLAINES
CLINTON
HARRISON
ADAMS
JEFFERSON
PEORIA
SANGAMON
CARPENTER
MI
LW
AU
KE
E
KIN
GS
BU
RY
BALBO
FULTON MARKET
KINZIE
DANRYAN
SEDGWICK
LA
SALLE
LOWER
CONGRESS
MILLER
ANCONA
MCCLURG
LAKESHOREDRRAMP
LARRABEE
POLK
OHIO FEEDER
WATERSIDE
NEW
UNION
8TH
MADISONST
HADDOCK
CARROLL
SHIELDS
HOLDEN
FAIRBANKS
PESHTIGO
MIESVAN
DERROHE
RIVER
BENTON
WAYMAN
TILDEN
VERNON PARK
ERIE
ONTARIO
HURON
OHIO
FIELD
WALNUT
KENNEDYMADISONST
WESTSHORE
LASALLE
FULTON
FEDERAL
CAMPBELL
QUINCY
LEXINGTON
FINANCIAL
MARBLE
GLADYS
GARLAND
CABRINI
WEST
WATER
ACADEMY
BEAUBIEN
CITYFRONT
PLAZA
PARK
CONGRESS
PLAZA
MERCHANDISE
MART
ARCADE
LAKESHORELOWER
EISENHOWER RACINE AV
EISENHOWEREXPY
CT
A
BUS
LS
D
RA
ND
OL
PH
ST
BREAKWATERACCESS
WAC
KER
LOW
ER
WACKER
KENNEDY
HALSTED
MORGAN
GREEN
CANAL
SBRANCHCHICAGORIVER
LSD
GRA
ND
AV
KENNEDY
OHIO
FEEDER
STR
EET
ER
LAKESHORE
HARBOR
RIVERSID
E
LSDWACKERDR
LAKEFRONT
Willis
Tower
Millinneum
Park
Navy Pier
City
Hall
Marshal Field
and Company
Grant Park
LaSalle/Van
Buren
Madison/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Harrison
Clinton-Lake
Grand/Milwaukee
Grand/State
Monroe/State
UIC-Halsted
Clinton-Congress
LaSalle
Clark/Lake
Jackson/Dearborn
Merchandise
Mart
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Jackson/State
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Quincy/Wells
Library
Morgan
UIC
Greek Town
West Loop
Lake Michigan
River North
Magnificent Mile
Streeterville
West Town
Museum Campus
15 minute walk
RANDOLPH SUB
WABASH
ORLEANS
WABASH
LOWER
STATE
LASALLE
LAKE
MICHIGAN
WAC
KER
RAM
P SOUTH WATER
FRANKLIN
RANDOLPH
MONROE
GARLAND
WACKER
MADISON
WASHINGTON
HADDOCK
COUCH
COURT
CALHOUN
ARCADE
BENTON
ADAMS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MARBLE
HOLDEN
BEAUBIEN
POST
Washington/Dearborn
Madison/Wabash
Randolph/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Monroe/State
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Buildings
Site of the
Sauganash
Hotel/Wigwam
Chicago
Theater
Reliance
Building
35 East
Wacker
Building
Roanoke
Building
and Tower
New York Life
Building
Delaware
Building
Old Dearborn
Bank Building
Palmer
House
Hotel
Lake-Franklin
Group
Marquette
Building
Daley
Center
Marshall Field
and Company
Building
Carbide
and Carbon
Building
Majestic
Building
and Theater
Carson Pirie
Scott & Company
Building
City
Hall-County
Building
300 West Adams
Street Office
Building
Page Brothers
Building
Steuben
Club
Building
One North
LaSalle
Building
Rookery
Building
Jewelers
Building
Trustees
System Service
Building
Pittsfield
Building
Heyworth
Building
ContinentalAnd
Commercial National
Bank Building
Oliver
Building
Chapin
and Gore
Building
Chicago Public
Library/Cultural
Center
Washington
Block
Inland
Steel
Building
Field
Building
Gage
Group
Chicago
Building
Chicago Motor
Club Building
Millennium Park
The bean
Grant Park
The art
Institute
of Chicago
5 minute walk
More Information:
Transit Services:
CTA Train Tracker App
www.goroo.com
Tourism Information
www.cityofchicago.org
www.choosechicago.com/
98.23in
4.41in
7.87 in
15.57 in
24.39in24.61in7.15in
Sign Identifier ( Branding)
Location Identifier
Directional Arrows
Neighborhood Map
Area Map
Legend
Additional Information
1.30in
Figure 24 Sign dimensions Figure 25 UIC sign
1
2
3
4
UIC-East Campus
Student Center East
University Hall
Student Residence
and Commons east
Library
Behavioral Sciences
Building
Jane Addams
Hull-house Museum
15 minute walk
WACKERLO
W
E
R
J A C K S O N
CLARK
V A N B U R E N
A D A M S
R A N D O L P H
C O U C H
A R C A D E
L A K E
C O U R T
FRANKLIN
W A S H I N G T O N
R O O S E V E L T
T A Y L O R
DESPLAINES
CLINTON
HALSTED
WELLS
PEORIA
SANGAMON
GREEN
CARPENTER
WILLARD
ELIZABETH
ADA
KENNEDY
JEFFERSON
1 4 T H
H A S T I N G S
RACINE
RUBLE
1 3 T H
O
G
D
E
N
LOOMIS
L
U
M
B
E
R
B
LU
E
IS
LA
N
D
L E X I N G T O N
ASHLAND
C A B R I N I
THROOP
EISENHOWEREXPY
W A R R E N
MILLER
ABERDEEN
EMERALD
F L O U R N O Y
C O N G R E S S
LAFLIN
9 T H
P O L K
DELA
NO
1 1 T H
MADISONST
JUSTINE
SHIELDS
LASALLE
M A X W E L L
KENNEDY
MADISON
ST
LYTLE
G R E N S H A W
PLYMOUTH
CIRCLE
KENNEDYJACKSONBL
V E R N O N P A R K
FEDERAL
Q U I N C Y
DEKOVEN
FINANCIAL
M A R B L E
F I L L M O R E
NEWBERRYACADEMY
MAY
LIB E R T Y
BISHOP
W A S H B U R N E
G L A D Y S
C O T T A G E
R U N D E L L
MARSHFIELD
EISENHOWER ASHLANDAV
CHICAGORIVER
WACKER
DANRYAN
MORGAN
CANAL
S
B
R
A
N
C
H
CHICAGORIVER
UNION
KENNEDYWASHINGTONBL
PAR
K
RIVERSIDE
Washington/Dearborn
LaSalle/Van
Buren
State/Lake
Lake/State
Ashland-Lake Clinton-Lake
Monroe/State
UIC-Halsted Clinton-Congress
LaSalle
Clark/Lake
Jackson/Dearborn
Washington/Wells
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Quincy/Wells
Racine
Library
Morgan
H A R R I S O N
Student
Services
Building
Pavillion
UIC
Library
University
Hall
Student
Center
East
UIC
Foroum
University of Illinois at Chicago
Little Italy
University Village
Greek Town
South Campus
East Campus
West Loop
Near South
Side
Loop
WestCampus
UICMedicalCenter
West town
UIC Medical Center
West Campus
UIC Medical Center
HALSTED
EISENHOWEREXPY
GREEN
PEORIA
JACKSON
DESPLAINES
SANGAMON
HARRISON
EISENHOWER
DANRYANIBEISENH
OWEROB
VAN BUREN
JEFFERSON
ABERDEEN
VERNON PARK
POLK
EIS
EN
HO
WE
R
O
B
KE
NN
ED
Y OB
MILLER
CARPENTER
KE
NN
ED
Y
O
B
EIS
EN
HO
WE
ROB
LEXINGTON
ARTHINGTON
TILDEN
CABRINI
GLADYS
MAY
MORGAN
KENNED
Y
CT
A
BU
S
UIC-Halsted
BSB
UICT
ETMSW
CUPPAH
AEH
PAV
UH
SCE
SRF
HLPS
ADS
SRCW
SRCC
SRCS
SRCN
LIB
SELESELW
BH
SEO
AH
TH
LCD
LCC
LCB
DH
LH
GHSH
HH
JH
THE
QUAD
LCE
LCA
LCF
5 minute walk
CTA Train Station
Your Location
Multiple CTA lines
CTA Bus Stop
Divvy Station
Automobile path
Neighbor-
hood
Legend
Neighborhood Map
Area Map
More Information:
Transit Services:
www.goroo.com
UIC Information:
www.uic.edu

Page 49
Design Stage
0.90m
1
2
3
4
Downtown (Loop)
Washington and Dearborn
Chicago River
City Hall
Millennium Park
Richard J. Daely Center
Michigan Avenue
Grant Park
Willis Tower
Neighborhood Map
Area Map
CTA Train Station
Your Location
Multiple CTA lines
CTA Bus Stop
Divvy Station
Automobile path
Neighbor-
hood
Legend
JACKSON
MICHIGANLOWER
RIVERWALK
STETSONLOWER
WABASH
LOWER
ORLEANS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MICHIGAN
STCLAIR
SOUTH
WATER
LOWER
GRAND
CLARK
HUBBARD
POST
LAKE
CALHOUN
GARVEY
RANDOLPH
ILLINOIS
COUCH
COURT
WACKER
SUB
WABASH
MAC
CHESNEY
NORTH
WATER
LOWER
VAN BUREN
FRANKLIN
MADISON
RUSH
WACKERRAMP
DESPLAINES
CLINTON
HARRISON
ADAMS
JEFFERSON
PEORIA
SANGAMON
CARPENTER
MILW
AUK
EE
KING
SBU
RY
BALBO
FULTON MARKET
KINZIE
DANRYAN
SEDGWICK
LA
SALLE
LOWER
CONGRESS
MILLER
ANCONA
MCCLURG
LAKESHOREDRRAMP
LARRABEE
POLK
OHIO FEEDER
WATERSIDE
NEW
UNION
8TH
MADISONST
HADDOCK
CARROLL
SHIELDS
HOLDEN
FAIRBANKS
PESHTIGO
MIESVAN
DERROHE
RIVER
BENTON
WAYMAN
TILDEN
VERNON PARK
ERIE
ONTARIO
HURON
OHIO
FIELD
WALNUT
KENNEDYMADISONST
WESTSHORE
LASALLE
FULTON
FEDERAL
CAMPBELL
QUINCY
LEXINGTON
FINANCIAL
MARBLE
GLADYS
GARLAND
CABRINI
WEST
WATER
ACADEMY
BEAUBIEN
CITYFRONT
PLAZA
PARK
CONGRESS
PLAZA
MERCHANDISE
MART
ARCADE
LAKESHORELOWER
EISENHOWEREXPY
CTA
BUS
LSD
RAN
DOL
PH
ST
BREAKWATERACCESS
WACKER
LOWER
WACKER
KENNEDY
HALSTED
MORGAN
GREEN
CANAL
SBRANCHCHICAGORIVER
LSD
GRAND
AV
KENNEDY
OHIO
FEEDER
STREET
ER
LAKESHORE
HARBOR
RIVERSIDE
LSDWACKERDR
LAKEFRONT
Willis
Tower
Millinneum
Park
Navy Pier
City
Hall
Marshal Field
and Company
Grant Park
LaSalle/Van
Buren
Madison/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Harrison
Clinton-Lake
Grand/Milwaukee
Grand/State
Monroe/State
UIC-Halsted
Clinton-Congress
LaSalle
Clark/Lake
Jackson/Dearborn
Merchandise
Mart
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Jackson/State
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Quincy/Wells
Library
Morgan
UIC
Greek Town
West Loop
Lake Michigan
River North
Magnificent Mile
Streeterville
West Town
15 minute walk
RANDOLPH SUB
WABASH
ORLEANS
WABASH
LOWER
STATE
LASALLE
LAKE
MICHIGAN
WACKE
R
RAMP
SOUTH WATER
FRANKLIN
RANDOLPH
MONROE
GARLAND
WACKER
MADISON
WASHINGTON
HADDOCK
COUCH
COURT
CALHOUN
ARCADE
BENTON
ADAMS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MARBLE
HOLDEN
BEAUBIEN
POST
Washington/Dearborn
Madison/Wabash
Randolph/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Monroe/State
Clark/Lake
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Buildings
Site of the
Sauganash
Hotel/Wigwam
Chicago
Theater
Reliance
Building
35 East
Wacker
Building
Roanoke
Building
and Tower
New York Life
Building
Delaware
Building
Old Dearborn
Bank Building
Palmer
House
Hotel
Lake-Franklin
Group
Marquette
Building
Daley
Center
Marshall Field
and Company
Building
Carbide
and Carbon
Building
Majestic
Building
and Theater
Carson Pirie
Scott & Company
Building
City
Hall-County
Building
300 West Adams
Street Office
Building
Page Brothers
Building
Steuben
Club
Building
One North
LaSalle
Building
Rookery
Building
Jewelers
Building
Trustees
System Service
Building
Pittsfield
Building
Heyworth
Building
ContinentalAnd
Commercial National
Bank Building
Oliver
Building
Chapin
and Gore
Building
Chicago Public
Library/Cultural
Center
Washington
Block
Inland
Steel
Building
Field
Building
Gage
Group
Chicago
Building
Chicago Motor
Club Building
Millennium Park
The bean
Grant Park
The art
Institute
of Chicago
5 minute walk
More Information:
Transit Services:
www.goroo.com
Tourism Information
www.cityofchicago.org
www.choosechicago.com/
What is this ?
Where can I get
better information?
Identification
Chicago Wayfinding
Branding
40 feet
N/A
16 feet
2 feet
4 feet
0.5 feet
2 feet
0.25 feet
Average distances source:
Legible London System Architecture
Sign Location
Directional information
Neighborhood Map
Area Map
Legend
More info
Information process:
Users’ Experience
Average reading
distance
Good Vision
Partially sighted
Where am i?
Where is my
destination?
What is around
me?
Where can I get
to closest transit?
What is around
me?
I want to know
more.
What is around
me?
I want to know
more
Figure 26 Users’ experience

Page 51
Design Stage
Figure 27 Sign context in Downtown
Figure 28 Sign context in UIC
Further Design Challenges Implementation and maintenence
Designing a succesful wayfinding sys-
tem is a difficult task. It starts by under-
standing the purpose of the product.
User’s of Chicago’s wayfinding system
have diverse needs. Different areas in
Chicago might have physical limita-
tions and design needs.
• It is important to pay attention to
these different aspects and design
a flexible system that can be at-
tached to various different environ-
ments.
• Chicago has a harsh climate, a se-
prate study needs to be done on
what material can be durable for
Chicago
• Information can become obsolete
rapidly and a wayfinding system
needs to be as up to date as pos-
sible. Methods of having a flexible
sign design have been used by dif-
ferent organization throughout the
world and should be a subjet of fur-
ther studies.
• Studies done for phyiscial signage
can be incorporated into a useful
mobile application that can help
pedestrians have a etter pedestri-
an experience.
• It is important to have a robust par-
ticipation process for stakeholders
of each project into the informa-
tion design and location plan in
order to increase the usefulness of
the system.
Chicago has a highly complex politi-
cal system, each neighborhood could
be part of one or multiple wards and
Chicago Department of Transporta-
tion, Illinois Department of Transpor-
tation, Chicago Park Districts, City of
Chicago and other agencies might
be in charge of areas in need of way-
finding.
political complexity makes imple-
menting a city-wide wayfinding plan
difficult and in need of participation
between all the different stakehold-
ers. In order for this plan to be succes-
ful , further phasing planning needs
to be done. A group of planners and
designers with diverse backgrounds
should be in charge of studying fur-
ther implementation challenges.
Maintenence is also a highly import-
ant task. Different problems might oc-
cur to the signage such as vandalism,
wearing off or dicolorization. The plan-
ning team should incorporate main-
tence maintenance strategies in fur-
ther plans.

Page 55
Stage
Legible
LondonStageTorontoStageTexas
system
Emphasize
DowntownAsa
Designing
Principlesand
rulesforthe
systemanddiscovery
HighlightKey
HowDoesthe
systemWork
simulateeconomic
growth
EnhanceUser
Experience
Whatelementsgo
onthesign?placesImproveMobility
Createahierarchy
thesignreducerelianceoncarsReinforceLinks
Pointsof
Processtrusttowalk
IntegrateaRange
ools
Consistency
PlanandPolicy
tudy
tudyingotherplans
policiesinplace
Reinforce
Community
Reducing
ofthecity
EnhanceUrban
Design
HealthierlifestyletreetsImplementable
ConsistencyneighborhodsConceptualerms
ourismoostplaces
Conensushrough
Publicinput
usinessboost
eamlessvariety
tools
Whereuture
Developmentsare
happening
mappinggatheredEnhance
accesibility
amingofPlaces
Casestudyareasin
torontoome
possibleareasto
kickstarttheproectupport
Landusesignsafety
ArrivalPointsClearoundaries
Consensus
throughpublic
input
PedestrianlowtatementuildingsPublicutreach
AssetsImportanttreetame
Corridorsundingoures
eighborhoods
PlanandPolicy
tudy
RouteHierarchy
treetscaopeandProectApproval
Process
typeofsignagealready
exists?Conceptual
Whatstepsshould
weintervene?
Exactplacement
Whatiswrongwiththe
currentsystem?
Createahierarchy
ignDesignWhatuserslookfor?
takeholderanalysis
ReuestormsWhowalksinoronto?
highwaysignage
study
Whattypeofneedsdo
theyhave?
ehicular
Planandpolicy
tudy
ewyorkogota
LegibleLondonWalk
Philadelphia
takeholderInterviewPedestrianlow
takeholderWorkshop
atheringnodes
communicated
DevelopingKey
themesfrom
interviews
atural
Landmarksto
providenatural
oalsand
trategiesInfrastracture
andphasingechnology
elowgradetrail
access
idewalk
availability
apsinidewalk
infrastructure
afetyIssues
AreasofAuto
andicycle
Unfriendly
pedestrian
Physicalarriers
District
Eventand
echnology
elements
Landmarksas
idewalkCompass
icycleRoutes
Publicransit
Parking
etween
DeparturePoints
Eventsand
temporaryignage
Criteriafor
Inclusion
irersfordesign
ustainability
Accesibility
Managementand
Maintence
ignInventory
PhasingPlan
Measurements
Desiginghe
ystem
andphasing
Understanding
takeholder
analysis
oalsand
oalsand
takeholder
analysis
Conceptual
Understanding
Designinghesystem
oalsand
Understanding
Conceptual
Understanding
takeholder
analysis
Stage
Legible
LondonStageTorontoStageTexas
system
Emphasize
DowntownAsa
Designing
Principlesand
rulesforthe
systemanddiscovery
HighlightKey
HowDoesthe
systemWork
simulateeconomic
growth
EnhanceUser
Experience
Whatelementsgo
onthesign?placesImproveMobility
Createahierarchy
thesignreducerelianceoncarsReinforceLinks
Pointsof
Processtrusttowalk
IntegrateaRange
ools
Consistency
PlanandPolicy
tudy
tudyingotherplans
policiesinplace
Reinforce
Community
Reducing
ofthecity
EnhanceUrban
Design
HealthierlifestyletreetsImplementable
ConsistencyneighborhodsConceptualerms
ourismoostplaces
Conensushrough
Publicinput
usinessboost
eamlessvariety
tools
Whereuture
Developmentsare
happening
mappinggatheredEnhance
accesibility
amingofPlaces
Casestudyareasin
torontoome
possibleareasto
kickstarttheproectupport
Landusesignsafety
ArrivalPointsClearoundaries
Consensus
throughpublic
input
PedestrianlowtatementuildingsPublicutreach
AssetsImportanttreetame
Corridorsundingoures
eighborhoods
PlanandPolicy
tudy
RouteHierarchy
treetscaopeandProectApproval
Process
typeofsignagealready
exists?Conceptual
Whatstepsshould
weintervene?
Exactplacement
Whatiswrongwiththe
currentsystem?
Createahierarchy
ignDesignWhatuserslookfor?
takeholderanalysis
ReuestormsWhowalksinoronto?
highwaysignage
study
Whattypeofneedsdo
theyhave?
ehicular
Planandpolicy
tudy
ewyorkogota
LegibleLondonWalk
Philadelphia
takeholderInterviewPedestrianlow
takeholderWorkshop
atheringnodes
communicated
DevelopingKey
themesfrom
interviews
atural
Landmarksto
providenatural
oalsand
trategiesInfrastracture
andphasingechnology
elowgradetrail
access
idewalk
availability
apsinidewalk
infrastructure
afetyIssues
AreasofAuto
andicycle
Unfriendly
pedestrian
Physicalarriers
District
Eventand
echnology
elements
Landmarksas
idewalkCompass
icycleRoutes
Publicransit
Parking
etween
DeparturePoints
Eventsand
temporaryignage
Criteriafor
Inclusion
irersfordesign
ustainability
Accesibility
Managementand
Maintence
ignInventory
PhasingPlan
Measurements
Desiginghe
ystem
andphasing
Understanding
takeholder
analysis
oalsand
oalsand
takeholder
analysis
Conceptual
Understanding
Designinghesystem
oalsand
Understanding
Conceptual
Understanding
takeholder
analysis
Appendix 1
Summary of
plan comparison study

Page 57
Appendix 2
HALSTED
EISENHOWEREXPY
GREEN
PEORIA
JACKSON
DESPLAINES
SANGAMON
HARRISON
EISENHOWER
DANRYANIBEISENHOWEROB
VAN BUREN
JEFFERSON
ABERDEEN
VERNON PARK
POLK
EISENHOWER
O
B
KENNEDY OB
MILLER
CARPENTER
KENNEDY
O
B
EISENHOWEROB
LEXINGTON
ARTHINGTON
TILDEN
CABRINI
GLADYS
MAY
MORGAN
KENNEDY
CTA
BUS
UIC-Halsted
BSB
UICT
ETMSW
CUPPAH
AEH
PAV
UH
SCE
SRF
HLPS
ADS
SRCW
SRCC
SRCS
SRCN
LIB
SELESELW
BH
SEO
AH
TH
LCD
LCC
LCB
DH
LH
GHSH
HH
JH
THE
QUAD
LCE
LCA
LCF
5 minute walk
UIC Area Map Downtown Neighborhood Map
JACKSON
MICHIGANLOWER
RIVERWALK
STETSONLOWER
WABASHLOWER
ORLEANS
RANDOLPH LOWER
MICHIGAN
STCLAIR
SOUTH
WATER
LOWER
GRAND
CLARK
HUBBARD
POST
LAKE
CALHOUN
GARVEY
RANDOLPH
ILLINOIS
COUCH
COURT
WACKER SUB
WABASH
MACCHESNEY
NORTH WATER LOWER
VAN BUREN
FRANKLIN
MADISON
RUSH
WACKERRAMP
DESPLAINES
CLINTON
HARRISON
ADAMS
JEFFERSON
PEORIA
SANGAMON
CARPENTER
M
ILW
AUKEE
KINGSBURY
BALBO
FULTON MARKET
KINZIE
DANRYAN
SEDGWICK
LA
SALLE
LOWER
CONGRESS
MILLER
ANCONA
MCCLURG
LAKESHOREDRRAMP
LARRABEE
POLK
OHIO FEEDER
WATERSIDE
NEW
UNION
8TH
MADISONST
HADDOCK
CARROLL
SHIELDS
HOLDEN
FAIRBANKS
PESHTIGO
MIESVAN
DERROHE
RIVER
BENTON
WAYMAN
TILDEN
VERNON PARK
ERIE
ONTARIO
HURON
OHIO
FIELD
WALNUT
KENNEDYMADISONST
WESTSHORE
LASALLE
FULTON
FEDERAL
CAMPBELL
QUINCY
LEXINGTON
FINANCIAL
MARBLE
GLADYS
GARLAND
CABRINI
WEST
WATER
ACADEMY
BEAUBIEN
CITYFRONT
PLAZA
PARK
CONGRESS
PLAZA
MERCHANDISE
MART
ARCADE
LAKESHORELOWER
EISENHOWEREXPY
CTA
BUS
LSD
RANDO
LPH
ST
BREAKWATERACCESS
WACKERLOWER
WACKER
KENNEDY
HALSTED
MORGAN
GREEN
CANAL
SBRANCHCHICAGORIVER
LSD
GRAND
AV
KENNEDY
OHIO
FEEDER
STREETER
LAKESHORE
HARBOR
RIVERSIDE
LSDWACKERDR
LAKEFRONT
Willis
Tower
Millinneum
Park
Navy Pier
City
Hall
Marshal Field
and Company
Grant Park
LaSalle/Van
Buren
Madison/Wabash
State/Lake
Lake/State
Harrison
Clinton-Lake
Grand/Milwaukee
Grand/State
Monroe/State
UIC-Halsted
Clinton-Congress
LaSalle
Clark/Lake
Jackson/Dearborn
Merchandise
Mart
Washington/Wells
Adams/Wabash
Jackson/State
Washington/State
Monroe/Dearborn
Quincy/Wells
Library
Morgan
UIC
Greek Town
West Loop
Lake Michigan
River North
Magnificent Mile
Streeterville
West Town
Museum Campus
15 minute walk

Page 59
Appendix 3
References
• Downton Austin Wayfinding Mas-
terplan , City of Austin Texas, 2013
• Legible London - Full Guidance,
Transport for London
• Legible London - system architec-
ture, Transport for London
• Legible London - The Yellow Book,
Transport for London
• Tronoto 360 Wayfinding final report
• Inter-agency Transfer passenger In-
formation Design - Standards man-
ual, Regional Transportation Au-
thority, 2014
• Chicago Cultural Plan, City of Chi-
cago, 2012
• Chicago Pedestrian Plan, City of
Chicago, 2012
• TransitFriendlydevelopmentGuide-
Station Area Typology study, City of
Chicago and CTA
• GoTo 2040 comprehensive region-
al plan , CMAP, 2010
• The Wayfinding Handbook: Infor-
mation Design for Public Places
-David Gibson , 2009
• Signage and Wayfinding Design: A
Complete Guide to Creating Envi-
ronmental Graphic Design Systems-
Chris Calori , 2007

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