Information and Way-finding

Information and way-finding design is something which graphic design is used for and here are some examples of information and way-finding blogs or websites, also examples of information and way-finding in design. The importance of using graphic design to display information and way finding is very high, as information is something which needs to be communicated clearly.

Examples of Blogs and Websites which show Information and Way-finding;

http://www.maynard-design.com/blog/melbourne-wayfinding-graphics/

http://hkxxx.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/friday-8th-april-2011.html

http://enviromeant.com/?p=2173

http://blog.fontsmith.com/2012/04/olympic-dillon/#.T46Pm9sOZOo.twitter

http://visual.ly/tea-biscuit-guide

Examples of Information and Way-finding Design;

http://www.maynard-design.com/blog/melbourne-wayfinding-graphics/

This is informative and is used for way-finding, it is one from a series, works very well and is effective as the function of this is to show people where the exit is, and which direction to go in. The font used is appropriate for the function as there is a lot of colours therefore it doesn't need any serif's as it would add to much detail to it and it may look cluttered. It is aimed towards drivers to grab their attention, as well as being informative it is also decorative, therefore would be admired by children in the cars, as they will be attracted to the bright colours.

http://static.designspiration.net/data/assets/022412-080911AM_5379707410_c2b0777d48_z.jpg

This design is keeping it simple, showing people where the toilets are by using outlines of people. This allows people who don't speak English to be able to see the direction to the toilets through this simple design. It looks like it would be used in an airport or large establishment, as it seems to be professional and to the point.

http://hkxxx.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/friday-8th-april-2011.html

This piece of info-graphics is a really creative way of displaying information of what is on each level. The colours work really well on each level, and the allowing the point size of the fonts to change to fit the width of the number, makes the design better and more effective. It would be seen in a gallery or museum as it is creative yet simple, on a plain white wall, and would also be directed towards people who need to know this information.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wayfinding&view=detail&id=55EAB6B36D3C671801AB335ACBDBDF738818583E&first=36

Using negative space to show the shapes of people, a universal language which everyone shares, so everyone knows the meaning of the design and where they should go for the toilets. The negative space makes the design more aesthetically pleasing, and gives it a clearer appearance and more professional concept. The signage generic so that it can be understood by a wide range of audience, although isn't generic enough to be uninteresting, therefore fulfills its purpose very well.

http://designbuildsource.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/wayfinding2.jpg

Having different colours, which compliment each other, for each level allows people to see the distinction clearly between the floors, which is why this design is so functional. It is a simple and clear way to show information in a creative way to keep people interested but not allowing the signage to be too cluttered and confusing which is why it works so well.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=wayfinding&FORM=HDRSC2

This is also one of a series, and is clever because the word 'down' can be seen perfectly from one particular angle but you are still able to see what it says from others, as you can always see the top of the letter, which show the main characteristics in that letter. It is directed to people who can drive, as it is in a car parking lot. The concept behind it is very clever, as the word is 'down' and it looks as if the word is slipping down the wall, which show it has quite a humorous tone of voice.

http://enviromeant.com/?p=2173

A simple yet detailed way you can be told which direction you want to go in for each particular thing. The complexity of it is the fact that it is telling you, what and where and what else is there, whilst only using simple shapes and simple arrows which people understand. This would be seen in a large establishment such as an airport or department store, and would be directed to everyone who would go to these establishments. As the signs are very generic they are easy to understand what ever language you speak, therefore it is fulfilling its function well.

http://cargocollective.com/tobiasbergdahl/Info-graphics

The function of this is info-graphics, which this is clearly showing. The colours used work very well together and using a limited colour palette works for them as it allows the information to come through without cluttering it up with too many colours. The geometric shapes used are effective, it gives the design more structure. The audience for this piece of info-graphics are creative adults who are seeking help with digital media design, and as the colours are minimal it would attract adults to it more as children would be less interested as it is not colourful enough for them.

http://visual.ly/tea-biscuit-guide

What is interesting about this piece of information graphics is the layout, the way the information has been displayed. It shows how long each biscuit can be dunked into a hot beverage, and shows if/when it breaks into the drink. The minimal shapes used in the info-graphics allows the design and information to be clearer, and although each biscuit has been simplified you are still able to see what each biscuit they are without reading the labels. The colours used look really attractive although I'm not sure why each colour was chosen for the arms on each biscuit as I thought it should have some relevance to the biscuit, where as I think the designer has simply just chosen what colour they want, but it is aesthetically pleasing therefore works well.

http://shecooksandheeats.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/the-anatomy-of-a-cupcake-info-graphic.jpg?w=640

The audience for this piece of info-graphics is women who want to be able to bake as it has come from the website shecooksandheeats. The colours they have used are complimentary to one another, they are the typical colours which you would see on a cupcake, it offers different flavours and colours so it will suit different peoples tastes. It is fulfilling its function well, the anatomy of a cupcake shows exactly whats in the cupcake, and how it is make, what goes into it and what goes on top of it.