Articles
Making better signage for when things go haywire.
This article discusses the critical need for clear and effective signage in public transportation, especially during service disruptions such as network shutdowns. Highlighting the importance of signage as a primary communication tool for transit users, a solution would be to improve service change communications and wayfinding, focusing on planned service closures where transit authorities have direct control. The article also discusses issues with current lackluster signs which fail to direct users effectively, leading to rider frustration. To combat this, I had provided detailed solutions including high-quality signage and visual wayfinding tools.
All articles.
Montreal’s Bus Network: Solving the Identity Crisis
Montreal’s recent introduction of a metropolitan bus pass, which allows travel across most regional buses with a single ticket, marks a major improvement in public transit. However, the bus network still struggles with visual and operational disunity. Each operator uses its own wayfinding and design, causing confusion about whether the buses operate as a unified system. To address this, I propose a standardized wayfinding system for all operators. Despite time constraints from working full-time and handling overtime, I focused on developing a design standard, particularly for bus stop signage. This effort, though limited in scope, aims to create a more integrated and user-friendly transit experience for Montreal.
Making better signage for when things go haywire.
This article discusses the critical need for clear and effective signage in public transportation, especially during service disruptions such as network shutdowns. Highlighting the importance of signage as a primary communication tool for transit users, a solution would be to improve service change communications and wayfinding, focusing on planned service closures where transit authorities have direct control. The article also discusses issues with current lackluster signs which fail to direct users effectively, leading to rider frustration. To combat this, I had provided detailed solutions including high-quality signage and visual wayfinding tools.
The case for a regional fast and frequent service map.
Despite, more and more people digitalizing, transit agencies are not good at creating the bridge between the digital world and the real world. This leaves a lot to be desired in signage, where it does not cater to the specific needs in the digital age, and it does not build on the shortcomings of digital technology. One area that signage could be massively improved is the network map. Transit maps are often good at conveying network information; however, they are not good at distinguishing which portion of their network is useful most of the time (i.e. frequent or fast lines), to the majority of users. This leaves a large gap between a simple rail diagram and the complex bus network map with hundreds of lines. What if there could be a map that shows at a regional level, all the frequent buses, along with a simple graphic in the legend that displays frequency...
Publications.
Public health and urban planning go hand in hand. Why aren't we doing more to promote cycling?
by Adamo Anthony Donovan, Cole Dev and Samuel-Gagnon Smith
Encouraging the involvement of health care professionals in the urbanist space, and more specifically on cycling. Detailed explanations on how urban design can affect the health of the general population and how encouraging active modes of transportation by health professionals can have a greater impact on the health of citizens.
Design articles.
Over the years, I had gained a passion for designing signage and maps. Now I am enthusiastic about designing transit maps and signage, always prioritizing accessibility. Nothing satisfies me more than bridging visual gaps in rider information.
Better service interruption wayfinding
I propose to replace wordy and lengthy signs, with simple diagrammatic wayfinding elements that values accessibility and approachability. One of this goals with this diagram, is that no matter the language that the person speaks, they can understand this diagram. This type of signage reduces the stress of transit customers and will increase their happiness while taking public transport, even when transit does not function like it is supposed to be. This will help to retain ridership, especially in times where ridership recovery from the pandemic hovers around the 80s and high 70s.
Making a new Greater Montreal frequent bus diagram.
I propose to create a new diagram in between of the existing rail diagram named "Plan Métropolitain," and the complex system maps that contain every single bus route of each of the transit authorities. The main goal of having this map was to show the user that Montreal has more than just Metro, REM and trains, but also a robust network of frequent buses that goes multiple places. This could help increase ridership on these routes, while Montreal is facing dwindling ridership on its buses since 2012. To give an idea of frequency and service span, I have provided a detailed legend that displays the approximate frequency or if there is no service for every bus route.
Redesigning Montreal's bus stop signs.
I propose a redesign of the signage system for all the bus stops in the Greater Montreal Area. Couple of focuses, was to unify the branding across all agencies in the area, invent a new nomenclature system, make the user's journey from finding their bus sign to confirming they travelling in the right direction. All of this was done to catalyze ridership, as public transportation systems are facing increasing competition versus the ride-hailing companies, such as Uber. In this day of age, the user must have all the information at their fingertips, right here and now, and not a webpage or app away. This redesign solves all the issues of the current signage.
Recommended pages.
I read and watch a lot of great sources from the perspective of urbanism, graphic design, transportation planning, etc. Here are some of them.
Fern K. Hahn
Is a transit advocate, planning student, graphic designer, and creator of assorted content. You can find them riding the bus around Toronto.
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