1. Hello GdAM

2. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyGdAM In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistency Graphic design + Architecture + Multimedia PrecedentsSolutions?Next StepsGdAM 3. 1 To redefine our preconceived2 To work collaboratively with notions of wayfinding an interdisciplinary team Complex problems require more than aCollaboration 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 4. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyWayfinding: In practice @ NUhow, what, why? Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next StepsGdAM 5. Imagine: You walk out of a plane into an airport youve never been to. Now what? GdAM 6. Momentarily disoriented...you scan the space tofind clues that willlead you where you want to go.GdAM 7. Momentarily disoriented...you scan the space tofind clues that willlead you where you want to go.GdAM 8. Northeastern isnt an airport. (its much more confusing)People Coming& Goingstudents subwayto classroomfacultyvehicle to gymstaffbus to their officecommunityfootto eattourists bikes to the other subwayperspective visitors first timeto the MFAparentsevery day to an attractionvisiting lecturers passing through to a playconference goers to a gallerybarack obama to a parking lot to a dorm to a hockey game ...GdAM 9. why?GdAM 10. Why do we need wayfinding?12345 To direct people To provide a To attract and To elevate the To maintain a (duh)better userretain yourperceivedconsistentexperience customersstatus brand image GdAM 11. What do we mean, exactly? Its a system-based approachIts physical Its also digitalBy setting up rules for an entire The most obvious application is onNew technologies can make wayfindingwayfinding system, we can ensurecampus 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 aboutmust fit in with the physical elements.currently. Consider:DirectionalsOn-Campus MapsNortheastern WebsiteBrand + Identity System Personal printed maps iPhone appTypography guidelines Building signsother mobile apps?Photography guidelinesFlags on street poles Displays screensMaterials usage/procurement Room signsKiosksSign shop Parking lots/garagesFacebook & Social MediaExternal building treatmentsSports venuesMBTA stationsOn-campus businessesIn-building signage... GdAM 12. How will we achieve this? 1Research2Design 3 Prototyping and testing This is what youre looking at.Our findings will inform our next phase GdAM 13. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyMethodology In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next StepsGdAM 14. Phase 1 Discipline-based knowledge gatheringUrban Form Nodes and Centers Nodes are the points in a city where aBranding Standardsvisitor can enter and often travel to.Currently: Mobile They may be junctions, transit centers, concentrated areas whose importanceLogoType come from use or physical character, orThe redesign of the Northeastern logo marked a fun-the convergence of paths.damental shift in the way the university is perceivedboth by its students and the communities that it ex-ists in (local and global). A modified version of thefont Baskerville was developed specifically for theword mark and the seal is a revision of the 1935 handDiscover Northeasterndrawn 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 11is the athletic department app. It has team scores, with the word mark in Northeastern standings, links to articles, news photos, and even NU REDWARM GRAY 11BLACK Red (0, 100, 90, 5) CMYK. There areCMYKCMYKK 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 75375 GdAM GdAMGdAM 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 15. Phase 2Human-centered research LOOK Observe the way that userACT Interact with other systems that ASK Conduct interviews and hand out groups interact with the campus asmay shed some light on how we canblank maps that will tell about user an environment, both physically and improve our own. experiences with campus wayfinding. virtually.GdAM 16. Phase 3 Synthesis AMALGAMATION Through a shared process, overlapping human-centered insights were revealed. GdAM 17. 800 photographs 200 slides 120 minutes of video50 interviews50 maps + countless hours of analysisGdAM 18. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NUIn practice Insight Boundaries Insight Physical Orientation What is Northeastern doing about wayfinding now?InsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next Steps GdAM 19. Current wayfinding elements TunnelsCurry Student CenterInformation Desk & Work Terminals Currently on campus Displaysrrently on campusCurrently on campus Curry Student Center The tunnels that connect differentCurrent Map of the tunnel system atur 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 Terminalssort of helpful directional information. denoted by color and there is a mapDirectional Wayfinding / is set up right be- at the entrance to every tunnel. How-Navigation vision displays. The one feeling weThe only sort of mapfore 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 ahallways of the tunnels couldclear which direction you are walking or we wanted more. It is clear that great opportunity for new wayfinding where you are going.y arent being used to their full po-Standardize submission could becomesignage. The tunnels process formore user-friendly and allow for easierial, 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 CenterGdAM ogy to outfit screens with for interactiv-Indoor QuadsibleLocated next touses: Detail viewity. mapof the Shillman Hall and in GdAM 20. Kiosks &wayfinding elements CurrentFlat Maps Currently on campus Located inLocated outside the Snell Krentzman Quad. Library QuadGdAM GdAM 21. Interactive Web MobileGdAM 22. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU BoundariesBoundaries: InsightPhysical Orientation & Insight balancing identity ntegrationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next StepsGdAM 23. Boundaries: balancing identity ntegration & The idea behind this goal is to retain Northeasterns 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 24. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Identity currently perceivable,flags define campus within the city. Do you feel Northeastern blends with the community/ its surroundings?Student AI 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 25. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Integrationdefining characteristics,connection with surrounding areas,community interaction with campus. Do you feel Northeastern blends with the community andStudent B its surroundings? You can tell when youre on campus. I dont feel that its that different from the surrounding neighborhood up and down Huntington, or even over on Columbus. GdAM 26. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integrationRuggles: A Portal...a portal by definition,circulation to and from campus,breaking boundaries.GdAM 27. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration ...an Imposing Barrier Orange lines presence on campus,seperates Columbus from campus.Have you felt imposing barriers when entering and leaving campus? Student CThe most imposing barrier on campus is the orange line of the T and Ruggles station. GdAM 28. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Initiativesgateways 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 29. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Harvardthe 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 theyre on campus, but not overly huge.Probably small and subtle would be best in our urban setting.GdAM 30. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integration Terminology loaded terms & preconceived notions, importance of clearly defined words.portal (n.) A doorway, entrance, or gate, especially one that is large and imposing.gateway (n.)An opening or a structure framing an opening, such as an arch, that may be closed by a gate. -American Heritage Dictionary GdAM 31. BOUNDARIES: Balancing identity & integrationImplicationsWhere will indicators be placed? How do you feel about making this more literalWhat will be the implications? with actual gateways atStudent F the edges of campus or on major streets?What will the spaces around thewayfinding elements become?I feel that when you walk onto campus from the surrounding area it is fairly obvious [that you are at Northeastern].GdAM 32. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationPhysical orientation:InsightPathmakingCreating a frame of referenceInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next StepsGdAM 33. Physical orientation: Creating a frame of referenceIN GENERAL physical orientation is crucial AT NORTHEASTERN there are a unique set to a users ability to understand andof factors that shape the way physical successfully navigate their environment. orientation happens and the adverse By creating a frame of reference wereactions that occur when people cant are able to orient ourselves in a spaceorient themselves and effectively move from one point to another.User routes are complex, involvingmany turns, shortcuts, longcuts, and This is the foundation of wayfinding.non-orthogonal paths. Many of the landmarks people use tonavigate campus are unexpected andPhoto of a hand-drawn mapasking people to identify theirchallenge what we traditionally think most traveled routesof as a landmark. Getting lost affects practical day to dayroutines, but It can also affect peoplemore abstractly by changing the waythey feel about a place.GdAM 34. Sometimes its clear,sometimes impossible.Its simple once you know itbut so difficult to explain...There isnt enough signage. Its basically impossible to tell someone how to get from Forsyth Street to the library. A tour guide on giving directionsGdAM 35. PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of Reference Getting lost Didnt we cross this street before? We asked the person in the parkinggarage for directions and he pointed A mother to her daughter, a potentialus this way. We looked here. Now were Northeastern studentassuming its that way. Family of a potential student on a hunt forthe dining halls. GdAM 36. PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of ReferenceIts 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 tworoutines and habits, and the places that parallel boundaries to the campus.students use the most.GdAM 37. PHYSICAL ORIENTATION: Creating a Frame of Reference Scenic vs. direct routesA B PATHwAyS AND ROUTES aroundSTUDENT DRAwN mAPS Show a simplified Northeasterns campus are actuallymental 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 peoples routes actually are. way from point A to point B.GdAM 38. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingPathmaking:InsightConsistency Learning from frequent users PrecedentsSolutions?Next Steps GdAM 39. Pathmaking: Learning from frequent usersTo improve wayfinding oncampus, we should adapt tothe way frequent users alreadyuse campus spaces.GdAM 40. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Paths on campus are circuitous. Students become familiar withthe best ways to get aroundcertain areas of campus,while they remain relativelyunfamiliar with others. GdAM 41. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users You just got to let ithappen and hopefullyyou come out whereyou need to be.GdAM 42. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Location of program Residence HallsAcademic BuildingsStudent Service BuildingsGdAM 43. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Grouping of academic program Art + DesignBusinessEngineeringScienceGdAM 44. 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 45. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Art + Design ZoneGdAM 46. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Business ZoneGdAM 47. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Engineering ZoneGdAM 48. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users Science Zone(s)GdAM 49. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users I walk down Hemenway, cut across the Or down Hemenway to Forsyth Street... North Lot and walk through Krentzmancross 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 Ive been here. GdAM 50. PATHMAKING: Learning from Frequent Users As a fifth year senior, I thought I finallyknew the campus...until someone askedme how to get to Robinson Hall and all Icould do was point them to a map.Turns out all I really know is Ryder. GdAM 51. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistency Consistency: Precedents A tool not a goal Solutions?Next StepsGdAM 52. Consistency: a tool not a goalWe visited six different campuses inthe greater Boston area to get a generalidea of how schools give themselves animage and identity. Through internet sources, on campusbuildings, and signage we found someschools had better wayfinding systemsthan others. Northeastern should use consistencythroughout campus but as a tool, notan overall goal. Using consistency asa tool will allow for creativity in theproduction of an identity on campus.GdAM 53. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency Northeastern has started to give itself an identity through Northeastern University consistent signage. GdAM 54. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency Some of the names on the buildings stay consistent with the Northeastern University Northeastern Identity. GdAM 55. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Then there are the rest ....Northeastern UniversityGdAM 56. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 57. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 58. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 59. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 60. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 61. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 62. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 63. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 64. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 65. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 66. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Inconsistency Northeastern University GdAM 67. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency: a tool not a goal consistency as a goal consistency as a toolConsistency as a tool allows for ... creativitiy, adaptability, individuality, and scalability. GdAM 68. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a goal: Bentley University Consistent gateway design as identity markers leave little room for individuality GdAM 69. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goalConsistency as a goal:Bentley University walkway vs. vehicle current events signage directionals for users in pathways vehicles The sign for any specific user groupbuilding signage parking lot user directions for users who is not easily identifiabledistinctions are walking GdAM 70. 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 71. 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 markerscampus section towers building signagedepartment signage parking signagesports signageGdAM 72. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: BU uses elements consistently across campus that are easily recognized but eachhas their own individual character and information. Boston UniversityGdAM 73. 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 74. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston University GdAM 75. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston UniversityThe 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 76. CONSISTENCY: A tool not a goal Consistency as a tool: Boston UniversityThe 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 77. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsPrecedents:How are other organizations using Solutions?wayfinding effectively? Next StepsGdAM 78. 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 79. North Glasgow CollegeGdAM 80. Monash University GdAM 81. Interactive wayfinding MobileGdAM 82. Interactive Wayfinding New Technologies GdAM 83. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? MethodologyIn practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions? Solutions? Next Steps GdAM 84. How will we achieve this? 1Research2Design 3 Prototyping and testing This is what youre looking at. Well begin designing possible solutions By rapid protoyping and more user test-Our findings will inform our next phase to the problems we have uncovereding, well be able to arrive at the bestand the best practices revealed throughsolution.precedents. The best will be chosen fortesting. ^ Perhaps this is where we would turn our work over to the University.GdAM 85. How will we achieve this? 1Research2Design 3 Prototyping and testing This is what youre looking at. Well begin designing possible solutions By rapid protoyping and more user test-Our findings will inform our next phase to the problems we have uncovereding, well be able to arrive at the bestand the best practices revealed throughsolution.precedents. The best will be chosen fortesting. ^ Perhaps this is where we would turn our work over to the University.GdAM 86. Meet GdAM Wayfinding? Methodology What do you think? In practice @ NU Insight Boundaries Insight Physical OrientationInsightPathmakingInsightConsistencyPrecedentsSolutions?Next Steps Next steps & deliverablesGdAM