One of the main aspects of the Type Factory brief which attracted me was the prospect of designing way-finding and information graphics for the museum. I really enjoy way-finding and find it very interesting. Whilst I was out and about over Christmas I took pictures of way-finding and information systems which I came across as some primary research.
B&Q:
I went to B&Q and noticed that the warehouse where it was situated was very large as it has to be, I found the way-finding system within the store to be very interesting because it was so simple. Each isle was clearly noted and split into sections. Not only did this add organised structure to the store but it also made it very easy for a customer to get to the isle they needed without having to ask a member of staff. Signs in shops and stores are obviously a common thing but I do think that the signs within a shop such as Tesco are not raised high enough for people to find their way around on their own. In B&Q however it is clearly labelled. I want my museum to be an experience which is entirely lead by the people who are visiting. I know that when I have visited a museum it is nice to be able to explore and find my own way around, this is something I really want to make clear within my designs. I think that B&Q have hit the nail on the head in the way of user experience with minimal contact.
The Royal Armouries Leeds:
On my trip to the Royal armouries I identified the type of way-finding which I think would suit my museum. The simplicity of the design is what I find very appealing as it is so easy for people to get around the museum. I have noticed that in most museums it is normal for the numbers of each floor to be quite large and dominant which is something I am going to use within my design work.
Simple illustrations continue within the design of this museum. I think that vectors are the best way to display each of the different aspects of the museum though the brief is set by a typographical examining body which I think I will have to take into careful consideration.
The National Football Museum in Manchester has some very simple signage and way-finding also which seems to be a trend within museums. Though this is not necessarily way finding the signage is something which I will have to consider for my project also. I admire the building for my museum and also the location. I am wondering whether it would be possible to place my museum within this building as it is simply a made up concept.
Manchester Arndale Food Court:
Whilst I was in Manchester I also took some photos of the illustrations on the bins within the food court. Though this is not necessarily relevant to my project it confirms how important information and way-finding graphics is within life. I specifically like the vector images which are used within this design and think that it would be a good idea to use this style within some of the design for my museum.
The Trafford Centre's way-finding is much more subtle than any of the other examples I have shown. I think that this reflects the target audience of the establishment. The way-finding and signage for this shopping centre is a little played down but at the same time it is very clear. I think that for my museum it is important to make an impact within the way-finding due to the target audience and the way I want people to be able to use it.
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