ON YER BIKE by Nikki Scott

Nikki Scott Major Projects 1 & 2

On yer

bikE!

On yer

bike! â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want you to create an information system for cyclists to find their way around cities. We want to see fresh thinking on what cycling in the city can offer and how the city can expand the potential for residents and visitors to cycle. The system will require expression through appropriate media and will need information materials and promotion. Use any media you think will work, the choice is yours, as long as it has a solid idea, informs and shows your typographic skills. Remember that words and language are our collateral and that your submission should be essentially typographic.â&#x20AC;? ISTD 2010

exploration

a few of the books I read...

These youtube videos found on television and the Transport for London website are a pro cycling campaign with Radio One DJ Edith Bowman and X-Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary teamed up with TFL to promote cycling in the Capital. This series of short films produced by TfL to highlight the pleasures and ease of using a bike to get around London are an obvious celebrity endorsed attempt to get the message out that cycling is cool in your summer dress or turn ups. However it also puts out the message that certain celebrities are too cool to wear a helmet. Five films, featuring the well known faces alongside three typical Londoners, can be seen online at www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling (where the videos will be prominently featured for three months) and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/transportforlondon. Each film concentrates on a different aspect of the Mayor of London's cycling revolution, such as the Mayor's flagship Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, or the new Barclays Cycle Superhighways, and tells a story around one of the people taking part. The films form part of the Mayor and TfL's efforts to increase the number of cycle journeys in the Capital. The cinema film also features the new Bike Song track by producer and DJ, Mark Ronson. Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's transport adviser, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;London's cycling revolution will be televised in the form of these wonderfully-made little films.

identifying

the user

investigating

When I started researching for this brief the Barclays Bike Hire system had recently launched, was on trial and not fully open to the public for casual use. The photograph opposite shows the style of promotion used and the poster issued when the scheme opened fully. Naturall the scheme put cycling in London in the public eye and having TFL backing it as public transport really gave non cyclists the motivation to get cycling.

I decided to explore the Barclays Bike Hire system as it has recently been launched and seemed like a good starting point for my primary research

This photographic storyboard documents the Barclays Bike Hire system from a users perspective. The fob system was easy to use but the touch screen interface was slow and confusing to use. There is a map provided at the docking station that shows the surrounding area and docking stations in the same way that the Legible London maps work. This is fine for pointing yourself in the right direction but not ideal once you are on the bike as you cannot take it with you!

existing systems london

The cycle super highway Barclays Cycle Superhighways are cycle lanes into central London from outer London. They provide cyclists with safer, faster and more direct routes into the city. The first two have now launched, with two more opening in summer 2011 and the remaining eight introduced by 2015. According to TFL they built the Superhighways to improve cycling conditions for people who already commute by bike, Help cut congestion, Relieve overcrowding on public transport and reduce emissions. Opposite is screen shots testing the online route planners currently available specifically for cyclists in London. They function in the same way that google maps do and give you a list of directions and map to print out from home.

Now in their second edition, the series of 14 cycle guides are produced by TfL using route information provided by the London Cycling Campaign. The routes are recommended by experienced cyclists, are boasted to be regularly updated and checked which makes no difference untill you send off for the next issued map. The 14 paper maps cover all of London and include quieter routes recommended by other cyclists and greenways through parks and along canals. As well as off-carriage way alternatives to busy roads with indication of where stations with cycle parking are. They are very large maps to handle even though they are split up depending on area.

tfl free cycle maps

smart phone applications Since the London Cycle Hire scheme began and developers have filled up the iTunes store with iPhone apps to help us find our way around they city. When I searched for “cycle London” 27 results appeared on the app store (photo opposite). There are official TFL apps, free maps, route generators and ones that allow you to record, import and export your own routes. There is even an augmented reality docking station locator to use with a smartphone camera. Route planning and GPS are not the only ones there is also a The Bike Doctor App that has 20 repairs that you can follow step-by-step. The only problems are the distraction and danger of using a phone while cycling and more importantly where do you put it? If you clip it on make sure you don’t leave it attached when you get off!

27 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;cycle londonâ&#x20AC;? results in app store

bike hire station map

existing systems in europe

Amsterdam possesses more bicycles than cars, with 90% of roads being 'bicycle-friendly' routes according to the article ‘With Dutch courage, two wheels triumph’ in ‘The Sunday Morning Herald’ (2010). Ever since Amsterdam’s ‘Traffic Circulation Plan’ (Verkeerscirculatieplan) was drawn up in 1979, according to Tsubohara, S, (2007) the main priority for transportation in the city has been for cyclists. They enjoy more road space and greater rights than cars. “Alongside utilitarian use of the bicycle, walking and cycling remain the principal recreational activities enjoyed by the Dutch population.” (UCUE, 2002). Pedestrian crossings can be found on cycle lanes as well as roads, giving cyclists a higher place in road hierarchy by giving them the same devices that cars have. Signposts in the city are the ‘common directional signpost’; which is a miniature version of the vehicle signposts (Fig. 9). I had various questionnaire responses commenting on or comparing London to these Dutch systems in my research questionnaire. Responses such as “I am not sure what kind of system London needs, the Dutch system is good but difficult to replicate here. The problem with London is many streets are one-way without cyclist counter flows; so I feel I have to use the main roads otherwise I get disoriented easily.” (Miranda S, 2010, Questionnaire Respondent, Fig. 4) It is obvious that replicating the Dutch system is not possible in London, with it’s many geographic population differences compared to Amsterdam. A city that draws comparisons with London is Brussels. The municipalities of Brussels like London’s boroughs have individual and coherent systems and routes for the cyclist. In 1997, less than 1% of transport was by bicycle. “Therefore, when the Brussels-Capital Region drew up its ‘Iris plan’, it set a target of 10% of trips by bicycle by 2005. It developed an ambitious action plan for the laying out of cycle routes, which is being carried out in partnership with the communes.” UCUE, (2002). This plan consisted of a network of 19 cycle specific

routes completed by 2005. The network has a web like structure made of radial lanes from the borders to the city centre, (Fig. 8). Two contributing factors in the selection of the routes were the appeal of the surroundings and the safety of the road. An aspect I feel is well considered are the signposted areas specifically on routes passing schools, shopping centres and other busy public areas (Fig. 11) in addition to the cycle specific traffic light system (Fig. 12). It is clear that the priority given to cyclists is high given the exclusive systems in place. Systems such as the cycle lanes, chicane barriers and limited one-way systems all provide a safer environment for cyclists and reassure the cyclist of their significance on the road. The bicycle and the city cannot be discussed with out mentioning Paris. The bicycle was invented in France and it remains a cultural icon according to Scott Osberg, J, Ph.D, Stiles, S, Ph.D, JD, (1998). The French government has encouraged cycling in the city with dedicated bicycle lanes and car-free Sundays on major roads, but this has yet to have a major impact other than as a popular recreational activity. In 1994 however, the French Environment Ministry joined forces with the Transportation Ministry to create "Mission Vélo” ‘Project Bicycle’ (Chaumien, 1995). The Environment Ministry funded ten projects in cities across France. The French projects were based on the Dutch model, with efforts made to have the bicycle seen as a viable means of transportation and elevate it from its “second class” status compared to vehicular transportation. According to Chrisafis, A (2007) most “people are coming off public transport, seeking an alternative to bus, metro and expensive Paris taxis at night. At rail stations, so great is the rush for suburban commuters to jump on bikes rather than cram into Metro carriages that some have tried to lock up bikes on stands at night to secure them for

the morning.” Proving the efforts of the Transportation Ministry to be effective and again, by taking advice from the Dutch systems, to provide a successful user dependent system for cycling in Paris. London is a city with an established public transportation system that also needs to push for the bicycle to be recognised as part of the public system (not just an addition). This could be achieved by implementing methods to make the transition from public transport such as bus and train to bicycle simple by considering location and access to create a convenient public service. Wayfinding for a cyclist in a city can be facilitated through various processes and effective systems, such as the simple graphic sign systems and bicycle prioritised access routes in place in Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. This is evidenced by the increase in cyclists on the roads since the implementation of signs, bike paths etc and government encouragement through cycle lanes and specific signage. Before there can be integration of a navigational tool or wayfinding information system, like the successful examples mentioned the principles of wayfinding design and as I discussed in Chapter 1, the visual complexity of the environment has to be anaylised. It is arguable that the Dutch system is successful because of the small size of the city for example. However, it is evident that it is possible for components of the Dutch system to implemented in large cities; Brussels would be an example of this with it’s municipalities similar to London’s boroughs that have individual and coherent systems and routes for the cyclist. It is clear that it is possible to have a coherent cyclists specific system in larger cities; London could take advantage of these examples of the successful official cyclist specific wayfinding systems.

Amsterdam Netherlands possess more bicycles than cars and

90% of roads are bicycle friendly.

The bicycle

was invented in

France.

Berlingermany

has designated street lanes, indipendent bike paths and traffic signals.

Copenhagen

Denmark has the worlds most successful

community bicycle program.

Amsterdam Netherlands

40% of trafffic is by bicycle.

Copenhagen

Denmark one of three

people cycle to work.

Paris France

20,000

public bicycles distributed at 1,450 parking stations.

Berlin Germany

15%

of trafffic is

by bicycle.

ser research

ON YER BIKE Ask me anything / Submit / RSS / Archive Search

NOV

I am doing an ISTD brief for one of my major projects. The

brief is to create an information system for cyclists to find their way around cities. I will be updating regularly with the direction I am taking/ideas/images etc. If you could fill out the form

bellow it would help me out a lot. Any comments, ideas and questions are also appreciated!

Please answer with as much detail as you can... Name: Age: Occupation: How often do you cycle a week?

What is the main purpose of your journey?

When did you start cycling in London?

What motivated you to start?

How do you navigate?

How has this changed since your first time cycling in London?

online

survey

blogs

twitter

facebook

Emails

viral

ninety eight

responses

respondents

bicycles

Alexandra, 27, Graphic designer

Andrea, 25. Make-up Artist

Richard, 64, Retired

Andrew, 21, Student

Philip, 37, Advertising

Gavin, 28, Professional

Liz, 43, Teacher

Toby, 27, Design Egineer

John, 47, Engineer Instructor

Andrew, 30, Library Manager

Simon, 33, Designer

James, 27, Web Manager

Ben, 47, Photographer

Peter, 25, Team Support

Fran, 33, Designer

Bill, 33, Graphic Designer

Becky, 29, Marketing Manager

Martin, 55, Dental Business

George, 72, Academic

Chris, 34, Business Analyst

Danielle, 28, Web Designer

Ed, 21, Student

Henry, 25, CS Rep

Silvia, 30, University Tutor

Billy, 37, Designer

Jonathan, 42, Software Engineer

Burt, 45, Informaition Technology

Daren, 42, Programmer

Harriet, 26, Journalist

Matt, 31, Designer

Joseph

Jan

Age: 25 Occupation: Service designer How often do you cycle a week? 4-5 times What is the main purpose of your journey? For leisure When did you start cycling in London/Other city? About 4 years ago What motivated you to start? I wasnt able to drive any longer and was getting into it to boost my fitness, so I just did it more regularly after that. How do you navigate? It depends where im going, a lot of places I know where im going, other times I dont want to know- cycling has been really brilliant in letting me explore the city more effectively and thats one of the things I like. How has this changed since your first time cycling in London/Other city? Having Iphone has changed it a bit, but only to a certain extent. Having lived in London all my life I know my way around pretty well. How do you plan your routes? if im going to a meeting or going somewhere specific for the first time id probably use iphone map, otherwise route planning is based on what seems most fun, how much traffic, danger, if i can do bits on pedestrianized bits etc. There is also a good tool online from tfl (i think) that allows you to plan a cycle route- so the least time and best for cycling. I did use this for my commute when working previously. Would you like a better map system? not really. Riding a bike is as much about freedom and exploration as anything else. Its one of the only times these days you can get lost...and love it. What navigation system would you like to see provided for cyclists? Im not sure if I would like anything that doesnt already exist. Parking/ locking bike up if its your own can sometimes be a pain in the arse. Or something that provided you with the most interesting/ exciting route- or something that intentionally got you lost- Although there has been similar things done (by us) and by others in the past. Also when im in europe i really love to cycle but getting around can be tricky in terms of navigation... that could be interesting to look into. Maybe look how tourists navigate around London. The london cycle app is dead good at directing you around to best points etc.I think what would be really interesting is to look to the extremes, so a cycle courier and also someone who has just signed up for the cycle scheme, or someone that would never cycle in london. See how they navigate around. There could be something interesting about user generated content/ data that generates routes based on what you want, so if your a tourist maybe the safest most scenic route, with locals that could be very different. So in my head im thinking that could generate maps like the tube map based on different things... I dunno some off the top of my head thoughts anyways. Do you use your own bike? Yes Have you or will you ever use the barcley’s cycle hire system? (State why) yes for riding in the city I have changed and signed up for the cycle scheme, in the city its not about me needing a bike of my own, but just about having access to one when i need it. Its awesome.

Age: 44 Occupation: IT Professional How often do you cycle a week? 4-5 times What is the main purpose of your journey? For leisure When did you start cycling in London/Other city? July 2010, when the cycle hire scheme started What motivated you to start? The cycle hire scheme How do you navigate? Cycle maps, iPhone apps, google maps, A to Z, sense of direction and existing knowledge of London. How has this changed since your first time cycling in London/Other city? I know London really well but cycling is a whole new ball game as I will always pick cycle routes and backstreets as a preference. I do use cycle maps, google maps, iphone apps and the A to Z but they’re woefully inaccurate and often fail to tell you about streets that are two way for cyclists and don’t point out cut throughs. How do you plan your routes? I look at cycle maps and plan routes that avoid main roads. The route always goes from one bike dock to another. Would you like a better map system? Absolutely!!!! I’d like to see a map that shows me exactly where I can cycle. If a road has been made two way for cycles I don’t want to see it marked as a one way street. Ideally I would love to see a map that concentrates on quiet routes to and from docking stations. I would like to see these available in paper form for planning, iPhone form for when I don’t have a map with me and throughout London, especially at docking stations. I would like to see signposts to docking stations which dynamically show how many bikes and spaces are available. If you ever do it I’d be delighted to see it so feel free to email me at jan@mudchute.co.uk What navigation system would you like to see provided for cyclists? See previous answer. I don’t particularly want to enter a start and end point into an app for it to calculate a route. I would rather see a really simple map showing quiet routes for me to decide. Do you use your own bike? No Have you or will you ever use the barcley’s cycle hire system? (State why) Yes I do. I love how simple it is and how when you leave the bike you can forget about it and don’t have to worry about it being stolen. Also if it’s raining on the way somewhere I can get public transport and if it’s cleared up afterwards I can take the bike back.

David

Helen

Age: 31 Occupation: Unix Systems Engineer How often do you cycle a week? 4-5 times What is the main purpose of your journey? To go to work When did you start cycling in London/Other city? London - September 2010. Used to cycle in Edinburgh (weekends only) when I worked there until I moved to London in 2004. What motivated you to start? In Edinburgh, general fitness. In London - cycle hire scheme made cycling a viable option once more as I didn’t have anywhere secure to store my own bike and not practical to store in my flat. How do you navigate? Mostly familiar with the routes by previously walking them. I use iPhone apps to find cycle docking points. How has this changed since your first time cycling in London/Other city? With experience I found better, more friendly cycle routes. How do you plan your routes? Going to work, I already know the route (plus a few alternatives), when just cycling for leisure I set my phone to alarm after 20 minutes then I use an iPhone app to find a docking station. What navigation system would you like to see provided for cyclists? Most maps are geared up to walkers or cars it would be useful to have a map that shows all cycle paths, shared cycle/footpaths and contraflow cycle lanes. Do you use your own bike? No Have you or will you ever use the barcley’s cycle hire system? (State why) Always

Age: 26 Occupation: Assistant Producer How often do you cycle a week? Everyday What is the main purpose of your journey? To go to work When did you start cycling in London/Other city? 2007 What motivated you to start? Always wanted to, was just a case of getting a bike organised. How do you navigate? If i’m going somewhere new I check a map before I go and sometimes take a map with me. Otherwise i just guess it. How has this changed since your first time cycling in London/Other city? I understand where I am much more quickly and have a better sense of direction. How do you plan your routes? Check a map or just wing it. Would you like a better map system? More landmark signs might be useful, (or even the occasional north/south/east/west indication would be good to give you a general sense of where you are. What navigation system would you like to see provided for cyclists? Yes Do you use your own bike? Yes Have you or will you ever use the barcley’s cycle hire system? (State why) When doing one-way trips.

ollow a f o t e l I strugg looking down d map an minutes is ew every f e on a bike... ibl imposs

Colour code the streets.

Warnings ab out junctions and cyclist s uggested routes would be great.

cycle I would love a ystem... specific map s those ideally showing only find short cuts you by chance.

les only bicyc h it w m e A syst needed, ly e r o s is e in mind s out ther g p p a f o le hin a coup ed somet e n e w t u trying b efficent. d n a n a le that is c

I want

cycle only

roads!

respondents

QUOTES

Sold my own bike and I havegone boris bike mad!

Options for fast o r leisure c ycle rout es?

Name: Bill Age: 52 Occupation: Design

Egineer Accomedation: House with my family Interests/Hobbies: Cycling, Camping , Golf Started cycling: I learnt as a child but I only started in London 3 years ago How often do you cycle a week? Everyday

Name: Kate Age: 23 Occupation: Freelance

illutrator

Accomedation: Flat

with 3 friends Interests/Hobbies: Drawing, Music, Cooking Started cycling: This

year because of the barcleys bike hire shceme.

What is the main purpose of your journey?

How often do you cycle a week? 3 to 4 What is the main purpose of your journey?

To go to work and to avoid public transport at all costs!

What do you use to navigate?

I used to use A-Z maps, then a clip on GPS but found it tricky to master so now mostly just from memory and in new areas I follow road signs and hope for the best.

times

To go to meetings in central london, friends houses, local shops etc I use the maps from TFL if I get lost on route which is fine if I can stop and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not raining. The TFL route planner is good for new specific places but it means I have to be organised and plan in advanced.

Character

profiles

Name: joe Age: 31 Occupation: it technician Accomedation: small flat with Interests/Hobbies: Gaming, live

girlfriend music,

kung fu films, surfing Started cycling: 5 years ago when i moved to london to save money How often do you cycle a week? everyday What is the main purpose of your journey?

work and to nip to the shops What do you use to navigate?

usually on my iphone but google maps dosnt give estimated time for bikes only cars and walking. I use landmarks and street names but I dont have a very good sense of direction so i tend to stop and get out my phone more than i probaly should!

Name: emma Age: 18 Occupation: student Accomedation: with my parents Interests/Hobbies: friends, twilight books, art Started cycling: since i was 6 How often do you cycle a week? everyday What is the main purpose of your journey?

to go to school, to go to friends, to go the shops, with my dad at weekends What do you use to navigate?

I am lucky to know London well now but as I have got older I go closer to central and need to go to places that are further away than the areas I know so I usually use my phone or the best online route planner because I am scared of getting lost.

Average age

of cyclist

2015 2010 2005 2000 1995

Average time

1990

cycling since

1998

1985 1980 1975 1970 1965

Average time

cycling per

week 50% 14% 35% 1%

Everyday 1-2 Times 4 -5 Times Weekends

What is the main

purpose of your

journey? 45% 25% 20% 2% 8%

To go to work It is my only transport To avoid public transport To save money For leisure

23% 20% 18% 18% 11% 7% 5% 5% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1%

Memory Google maps Phone Road Signs Paper Maps Exploring GPS TFL Bus stops Landmarks Compass Docking stations The Sun

30% 70% at home on route

EXLORATION

OF IDEAS

network

serv

vice

support

buddy system

city navigation system

a network of cyclists in London who create and provide a public support service for each other. The network relies on the cyclists of London supporting each other through buddy up commute systems, route planning, safety training and public events.

buddy system

velobuddy Primary users First time cyclists in any city Confident cyclists new to London Nervous cyclists always lived in London Tourists/Londoners who want scenic routes School children/Teachers Commuters/Cyclists taking daily trips Secondary users Confident cyclists interested in the network Confident cyclists interested in social aspect What does Velocity offer these people? First time cyclists in any city can be connected to experienced city cyclists who pair up on trips, daily, weekly, one off etc to build confidence and share tips etc. Confident cyclists new to London pair up with other cyclists of the same level that know London well and can share the safest and quickest routes to get the cyclists new to London used to their new routine. Tourists/Londoners who want scenic routes can cycle with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;bike busesâ&#x20AC;? that go on hourly trips, cycle in cycle out service (like the jump on jump off tourist buses). School children/Teachers that live in the same areas create school runs with the childrens safety first. The buddy system becomes a physical social network of cyclists helping each other by improving confidence, sharing routes, looking out for each other etc.

users

reason

method

routes

First time

Commute

Pairs

Quickest/Safe

Nervous

Tourist

Bike buses

Tourist/Scenic

Confident

Leisure

Groups

Romantic/Fun

velobuddy scenario 1

Katie (age 26) was not confident cycling in central London. She found getting lost and the busy traffic very stressful so she rarely used her bike to go to work.

One day she discovered Velocity and realised that shee was not the only nervous cyclist. She was excited about the buddy system and the saftey training.

Velocity put Mike and Katie in contact. They live close together and both work in Holborn. Mike has been cycling in London for 3 years and is keen to share his routes and tips with Katie.

Now they commute together most days and look out for each others safety on the road. Katie is happy she has a new friend in the city and Mike is glad he has someone to go to the Velocity events with.

velobuddy scenario 2

Mark (Age 33) was feeling a bit guilty that his christmas belly was still smiling at him. He wanted a lifestyle change that would fit into his routine. He found a second hand bike online and decided to give cycling to work a go.

As he was giving feedback to the bike seller he decided to google some tips for cycling in London and found velo city. He realised he could find out things like how to change a tire and what routes to avoid due to traffic.

After getting the hang of riding to and from work he decided he wanted to see if there was routes he hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discovered yet. He got involved with velo city and joined a team of commuters who cycled central daily.

Mark went solo again after a few weeks, armed with new, quicker and secret routes. He goes to most velo city events to catch up with the team he cycled with. He reckons he will offer to be a velobuddy when he feels more confident.

velobuddy scenario 3

Miss Robertson (Age 42) cycles to the primary school that she teaches English at every day. She is so busy with making lesson plans and marking homework that it is the only exercise she gets so she sticks to it daily.

She can use her smartphone to organise times and know what number of children to expect with the velocity app by communicating with the students and parents. She can also check for reports of traffic or accidents.

The velobuddy systems inspire her to lead a school run in her area as there are lots of children with bikes and busy parents. Some of her students join her everyday and others only when the sun is out.

Some of the mothers and fathers of the students like to join in the daily velobuddy school run too. They canget fit as well as make sure their children get to school safely and on time!

navigation

system

Navigation system should: Provide a way for cyclists to know what area they are in and if they are heading the right direction to reach their destination. I want to achieve this with out adding any more signs or creating confusion for drivers. The system should be simple and easy to understand with out having to know any prior information about it.

I explored the idea of networking London’s boroughs, working with Transport for London, Creating a “tube map version” cycle map, Making navigation a game, Getting lost on purpose etc. I decided that central London would be my focus and the areas that the Barcleys bike hire system covers. My thought process started with the existing navigation systems and the recurring attitude of “I just want to know I am going in the right general direction” from my questionnaire and the cyclists that I spoke to.

Address Westminster, London UK

From exploring exiting signs, making new ones, colour coding boroughs to colour coding areas in central London I visualised and developed all ideas in sketchbooks as well as digitally.

Euston

Regents Park Warren Street

Marylebone

Russe

Tottenham Court Road Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch Piccadilly Circus

Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park Hyde Park Corner

Knightsbridge

Green park Buckingham Palace

Victoria

Pimlico

Westminister

Covent Garden Leicester Square

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury Clerkenwell Old Street

el Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane

Farringdon

Shoreditch

Moorgate Bank

Holborn

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Tower of London

Waterloo London Bridge

Lambeth North

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Vauxhall Kennington

Elephant & Castle

Holborn

King

Euston

Regents Park Warren Street

Russel S

C Marylebone

Tottenham Court Road Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch Piccadilly Circus

Trafalgar Square

yde Park

ghtsbridge

Hyde Park Corner

Green park Buckingham Palace

Victoria

Westminister

Covent Garden Leicester Square

g Cross

Finsbury Clerkenwell Old Street

Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane

Farringdon

Shoreditch

Moorgate Bank

Holborn

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Tower of London

Waterloo London Bridge

Lambeth North

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Vauxhall Kennington

Elephant & Castle

Holborn

city

Knig

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Clerkenwell Regents Park

Old Street Warren Street

Marylebone

Russel Square

Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Farringdon

Shoreditch

Moorgate Bank

Holborn Covent Garden

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

yde Park

ghtsbridge

Chancery Lane

Tottenham Court Road Oxford Circus

Barbican

Hyde Park Corner

Waterloo Green park Buckingham Palace

London Bridge

Westminister

Lambeth North

Bermo

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Vauxhall

Pimlico

Kennington

Here I was exploring the hot and cold idea from Central outward and was trying to create a link to the brand through colour and shape.

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston Clerkenwell

Regents Park

Clerkenwell Regents Park

Old Street Warren Street

Marylebone

Russel Square Chancery Lane

Tottenham Court Road Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Barbican

Farringdon

Moorgate

Marylebone

Oxford Circus

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Tower of London

Bond Street

Knightsbridge

Hyde Park Corner

Green park

London Bridge

Westminister

Knightsbridge Lambeth North

Farringdon

Shoreditch

Moorgate Bank

Holborn Covent Garden

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Waterloo Green park Buckingham Palace

London Bridge

Westminister

Lambeth North

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Vauxhall

Pimlico

Chancery Lane

Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park Waterloo

Buckingham Palace

Barbican

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park Corner

Soho

Marble Arch

Piccadilly Circus Hyde Park

Russel Square

Tottenham Court Road

Bank

Holborn Covent Garden Leicester Square

Old Street Warren Street

Shoreditch

Vauxhall Kennington

Experimenting with colour coding areas, boroughs and from central outward to provide spatial understanding. A prototype map is understandable but implimenting physical indication of a system like this is where I had to brainstorm and ask cyclists for their opinion.

Pimlico

Kennington

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston Clerkenwell

Regents Park

Clerkenwell Regents Park

Old Street Warren Street

Marylebone

Russel Square Chancery Lane

Tottenham Court Road Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Barbican

Farringdon

Moorgate

Marylebone

Oxford Circus

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Tower of London

Bond Street

Knightsbridge

Hyde Park Corner

Green park

London Bridge

Westminister

Knightsbridge Lambeth North

Farringdon

Shoreditch

Moorgate Bank

Holborn Covent Garden

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Waterloo Green park Buckingham Palace

London Bridge

Westminister

Lambeth North

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Vauxhall

Pimlico

Chancery Lane

Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park Waterloo

Buckingham Palace

Barbican

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park Corner

Soho

Marble Arch

Piccadilly Circus Hyde Park

Russel Square

Tottenham Court Road

Bank

Holborn Covent Garden Leicester Square

Old Street Warren Street

Shoreditch

Vauxhall Kennington

Pimlico

Kennington

Playing with the idea of hot and cold and a bread crumb trail lead to me to some amusing ideas that would certainly brighten up any commute.

NAVIGATION

FINAL IDEA

Euston

Regents Park Warren Street

Marylebone

Tottenham Court Road

Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park

Hyde Park Corner

Knightsbridge

Green park

Buckingham Palace

Victoria

Westminister

Covent Garden

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Clerkenwell Old Street Russel Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane

Shoreditch

Farringdon

Moorgate

Bank

Holborn

t n

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Waterloo

London Bridge

Lambeth North

Berm

Elephant & Castle

Vauxhall

These are photographs that I took to visually prototype the idea of places the signs on street furniture and what they would look like painted onto the road. I did not think that the painted variation was successful for example the brown sign would not be visible enough and will fade quickly. Placing vinyl stickers onto existing sign poses the problem of confusing drivers and being mistaken for cycle paths.

Ange

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Regents Park Warren Street

Russel Square

Chancery Lane Marylebone

Tottenham Court Road Holborn Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Covent Garden Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park

Waterloo Hyde Park Corner

Knightsbridge

Green park

Buckingham Palace

Westminister

Lambeth North

Victoria

Vauxhall

paddington, maida vale, regents park, marylbone.

Clerkenwell Old Street

Barbican

bloomsbury, clerkenwell, Shoreditch, kings cross, angel.

Shoreditch

arringdon

Moorgate

Bank Liverpool Street

St Pauls

westminister, victoria, green park, South kensington, chelsea.

Tower of London

city, holborn, covent garden, leicester Square, Soho.

London Bridge

Bermondsey

Elephant & Castle

Southwark,waterloo, london bridge, elepant & caslte, vauxhall.

Islington

city

Euston

Regents Park Warren Street

Marylebone

Tottenham Court Road

Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park

Hyde Park Corner

Knightsbridge

Green park

Buckingham Palace

Victoria

Westminister

Covent Garden

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Clerkenwell Old Street Russel Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane

Shoreditch

Farringdon

Moorgate

Bank

Holborn

Liverpool Street

St Pauls

n Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Waterloo

London Bridge

Lambeth North

Bermo

Elephant & Castle

Vauxhall

regents Park

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Clerkenwell Old Street

Regents Park Warren Street

Russel Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane Marylebone

Shoreditch

Farringdon

Tottenham Court Road

Moorgate

Bank

Holborn Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Covent Garden

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park

Waterloo Hyde Park Corner

Green park London Bridge

Knightsbridge

Buckingham Palace

Westminister

Lambeth North

Bermon

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Vauxhall

Westminister

Islington

holborn

southwark

I came to the conclusion that the appropriate street furniture for the signs to be placed on was on the 1.15 meter bollards you can find on most streets in London. The plastic bollards would have fluorescent reflective signs (like the one pictured above) so as to be easily seen at night as well as during the day. I thought that this would solve the issue of adding cyclists specific signage as I did not want to add drastically to the visual environment or overwhelm the existing visual hierarchy of the road. According to Arthur, P & Passini, R (2002) perception problems in wayfinding come from “complexity and overload” as the complex aspect of an environment is essential to “the decision-making process”. In the visual overload of information in the city, the selection of information is difficult, this is because the wayfinder is overwhelmed with visual stimuli to decode in order to extract the relevant information. It is not the complexity and amount of visual information that leads to overload (the city always contains more information than we can process) but the “overload occurs when stimulation interferes with purposeful information processing” Arthur, P & Passini, R, (2002). Nevertheless, “As consumers of visual art we have become highly sophisticated readers of signs and signals. We decode meaning from compositions with subconscious ease” (Crow, D, 2003). Crow discusses in ‘Visible Signs’ the three main areas that form what we understand as semiotics (the study of sign systems); the signs themselves, the way they are organised into systems and the context in which they appear. The colour coded system would be placed on existing bollards in central London with the bike symbol, circle and velo city promotion providing context to the service. The aim of the system is to show cyclists which area of central London they are in to make navigating with in the city easier. As well as each area being colour coded there would also be the names of the general area or closest tube stop to indicate which area you are in to make it easier to navigate with in the colour coded areas.

Angel

King Cross

Finsbury

Euston

Clerkenwell Old Street

Regents Park Warren Street

Russel Square

Barbican

Chancery Lane Marylebone

Shoreditch

Farringdon

Tottenham Court Road

Moorgate

Bank

Holborn Oxford Circus Bond Street

Soho

Marble Arch

Covent Garden

Liverpool Street

St Pauls Charing Cross

Leicester Square

Tower of London

Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

Hyde Park

Waterloo Hyde Park Corner

Green park London Bridge

Knightsbridge

Buckingham Palace

Westminister

Lambeth North

Bermo

Elephant & Castle

Victoria

Vauxhall

Islington

city.com

city

buddy

city

watch

The map opposite would act more of a promotional tool that provides the information and context for the system so the user could easily distinguish the city promotion providing context to the service. It would also introduce users who were not aware of the online network. The network relies on the cyclists of London supporting each other through buddy up commute systems, route planning, safety training and public events. The navigation system is a tool to support the service that cyclists provide for each other. For example Velowatch provides cyclists with live road, weather and traffic conditions and Velobuddy puts you in touch with cyclists who want to team up to commute, share routes etc. I decided on a pocket sized format due to the nature of the promotional flyer and for ease of reference. The mapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main purpose is to show the colour code key as it only has main roads. I chose to exclude the small streets and lanes as it is not to plan your route or to suggest a route but to give indication of where you are on your own route by awareness of the system.

branding the service

elocity velocity

velocity

elocity velocity

velocity

veloc

elocity velocity

velo c velocity

elocity velocity

velocity

elocity velocity

velocity

elocity velocity

velocity

veloc

city

velo city velocity velocit velocity velocit velocity velocity velocity velocity

velocity velocity

city velocity

velo

velocity velocity velocity velocity velocity

veloc veloc veloc veloc veloc

city city city city city

branding feedback 1, 2 or 3?

velocity velocity velocity velocity velocity

velocity

city city

Once I had developed a logo I thought best expressed the service typographically I then developed it by adjusting the kernning, height and point of the the two fonts. It is made up of customised Cursive standard and Kabel LT Std. Cursive I thought added the playful element that I wanted to convey and also give a public friendly tone of voice. The choice of Kabel LT Std was due to needing a font that said “city” and “London” that wasn’t Gill Sans or too formal and cold. I wanted to give the impression that there was two contrasting elements working as one. However I was still unsure of a colour choice so I developed the website and app interface to experiment in context.

city

London’s cycling community

trending

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

#velobuddy

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylondon

#velowatch

#velocityldn

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch!

traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy to commute from Camden

what’s new today #velowatch

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocityldn

4 days #velocityldn

More people should get involved with #velocityldn @sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike! @markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy cyclist accident #velowatch be careful!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy to commute from Camden new products for sale @catlover for LDN cyclists #velowatch

trending

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

#velobuddy

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylond

#velowatch

#velocityldn

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch!

traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy to commute from Camden

what’s new today #velowatch

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocityldn

4 days #velocityldn

More people should get involved with #velocityldn @sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike! @markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy cyclist accident #velowatch be careful!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy to commute from Camden new products for sale @catlover for LDN cyclists #velowatch

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@katiebeeslippy Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist? bad weather alert #velowatch roads!

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@katiebeeslippy Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist? bad weather alert #velowatch roads!

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads

city trending: Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

city trending:

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylondon

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylondon

#velobuddy

#velowatch

#velocityldn

#velobuddy

#velowatch

#velocityldn

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch! #velobuddy

@cycleblogger traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@nikkisonfire Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch! #velobuddy

@cycleblogger traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@nikkisonfire Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@whitenoise what’s new today #velowatch

@andreasmith Been cycling for a week now, love it!

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@whitenoise what’s new today #velowatch

@andreasmith Been cycling for a week now, love it!

@sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike!

@bloggerama Cyclists of London! Make use of velocity’s #velowatch feed.

@Natterbox More people should get involved with #velocityldn

@sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@Natterbox More people should get involved with #velocityldn

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@billpeters cyclist accident #velowatch be careful!

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

@ldnbikeshop New products for sale for LDN cyclists #velowatch

@catlover F, 35, #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

@ldnbikeshop New products for sale for LDN cyclists #velowatch

@catlover F, 35, #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@cycleblogger Bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@cycleblogger Bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@joewalker #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@joewalker #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

@elliemay Avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

@cycleblogger bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

@elliemay Avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

@cycleblogger bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

city

London’s cycling community

trending today:

trending today: Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylondon

Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

4 days untill CYCLE FEST #velocitylondon

More people should get involved with #velocitylondon

#velobuddy

#velowatch

#velocityldn

#velobuddy

#velowatch

#velocityldn

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch! #velobuddy

@cycleblogger traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@nikkisonfire Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST

@markftw Male, 24, I cycle Angel to Holborn, daily, get in touch! #velobuddy

@cycleblogger traffic jam on Holloway road #velowatch

@nikkisonfire Can’t wait for CYCLE FEST

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@whitenoise what’s new today #velowatch

@andreasmith Been cycling for a week now, love it!

@catlover Female, 35, Looking for a #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@whitenoise what’s new today #velowatch

@andreasmith Been cycling for a week now, love it!

@sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike!

@bloggerama Cyclists of London! Make use of velocity’s #velowatch feed.

@Natterbox More people should get involved with #velocityldn

@sunny Need a #velobuddy for the week to show a friend London by bike!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@Natterbox More people should get involved with #velocityldn

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@billpeters cyclist accident #velowatch be careful!

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

@ldnbikeshop New products for sale for LDN cyclists #velowatch

@catlover F, 35, #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@missmay Looking for a group of cyclists in Clapham #velobuddy

@ldnbikeshop New products for sale for LDN cyclists #velowatch

@catlover F, 35, #velobuddy from Camden to Central

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@cycleblogger Bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@joewalker Male, 24, Commute Hackney to Picadilly #velobuddy

@cycleblogger Bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@katiebee Would you recommend #velobuddy for a nervous cyclist?

@joewalker #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@elliemay Avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

@cycleblogger bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@joewalker #velowatch new GPS trial today, will post results later!

@markftw Angel road works! AVOID ANGEL#velowatch

@lucylondon Islington school #velobuddy group meeting today at lunch

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

@elliemay Avoided the madness today, thanks #velowatch

@cycleblogger bad weather alert #velowatch slippy roads!

@citygirl Looking for a #velobuddy for weekend cycle fun

don