Metrolinx
Elevating Canada’s largest transit network with dynamic wayfindingThis project focuses on developing a unified digital wayfinding system, using dynamic information and real time updates to make navigation easy and convenient for users across the region.
Location: Ontario, Canada
What’s so cool about signs? As part of my undergraduate thesis at OCADU, I set out to bridge the gap between graphic design and transit planning. Originally a project to improve transit wayfinding in Toronto, I noticed a particular weakness with digital signage, which led me to develop a digital wayfinding system for the GTHA.
Inspiration and processTo develop a system that reflected the unique qualities of transit in Southern Ontario, I looked into the design history of Canada’s first subway.
Toronto’s subway stations originally featured a variety of glossy vitrolite wall tiles that defined its original look and feel. It came in Primrose (soft yellow), English Eggshell (blue-green), and Pearl Grey (off-white).
Due to its fragility and scarcity, the original vitrolite tile was replaced in the 1980s at all stations except Eglinton. However, this legacy has still had a large influence on the design of stations today.
To incorporate the history and design language of the station tiles, digital wayfinding displays are made up of separate modules that can be animated to communicated complex information.
Two of the original colours (Primrose and English Eggshell) used in station walls in 1954 are also brought back in wayfinding modules. Alert Yellow is used to indicate service disruptions, while departure green is used for platform numbers and departure times.
Modal icons
Currently, transit is primarily identified through operator logos, which can cause confusion when transferring across municipal borders. Thus, I created a distinct icon for each transit mode similar to ones found in Paris and Montreal.
Next vehicle informationInspired by systems from Paris and Tokyo, I designed a layout that prioritizes important information while leaving space for advertising, service alerts, and announcements.
For interlined services with scheduled departures, next vehicle information screens are combined with line maps to display upcoming stations and transfers.
Real-time updates
Service alerts, announcements, emergencies, and closures can be displayed in real-time across a variety of formats.
Design guidelines I developed a design guidelines document to allow for consistency and adaptation as the transit network across the GTHA expands.