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fd2s and UrbanTrans recently teamed up to successfully develop and deliver the new “Asheville Redefines Transit” brand and signage strategy for the City of Asheville NC. In addition to developing multiple signage concepts that more clearly identify and disseminate route and schedule information for the system’s numerous transit stops, fd2s oversaw implementation of new signage for the city’s downtown Transit Center.

fd2s kick-started its work for this expansive regional bus system with a two-day experience audit that included an exhaustive photo inventory of the system’s existing components, extensive riding time on buses, as well as several hours of observation of commuter activity in the Transit Center’s waiting area and on the transfer platform.

Read more about the project and see the latest photos on the Project Page.

Working with the Bastrop’s Main Street Program director, members of the Economic Development Corporation and city staff, and numerous local stakeholders, fd2s designed a wayfinding program that highlights the community’s rich history as one of the oldest towns in Texas. To dispel the perception of many motorists that Bastrop comprises only commercial frontage along US Highways 71 and 95, fd2s also coordinated with Texas Department of Transportation officials to locate and design “trailblazer signs” that direct to major destinations in the historic downtown via Chestnut Street. A system of free-standing and wall-mounted pedestrian directories highlight the Memorial Riverwalk and Fisherman’s Park, both adjacent to downtown, as well as identify parking areas in order to accommodate heavily-attended events that take place throughout the year.

Visit the Project Page for more information.

After the successful completion of a community-wide wayfinding strategy last year for the City of Wichita Falls, fd2s is now embarking on the first phase of implementation. This initial wave of wayfinding components will require extensive coordination with TxDOT officials for highway signage as well as orientation graphics for the impressive 18-mile hike-and-bike trail that encircles the city.

2013 is already shaping up to be a great year! This month we ramp up our collaboration with Asterisk Group and Content & Context for several retail/residential projects here in Austin and in Dallas. Closer to home will be an experience audit to launch our development of a wayfinding program for the City of La Grange east of Austin and the installation of a significant exhibit we’ve designed to honor letter winners and All-Americans who swam and dove for The University of Texas. The exhibit is due to be completed in time for an end-of-February event at the Joe and Lee Jamail Texas Swimming and Diving Center on campus. This interior exhibit complements our exterior exhibit recognizing Texas swimmers and divers who have competed as Olympians.

Finally, we continue to shape the visitor experience in downtown El Paso by expanding the pedestrian wayfinding strategy.

2013 © fd2s

2013 © fd2s

When towns or cities recognize they have a wayfinding need – usually because they discover that visitors are constantly lost or that potentially popular visitor destinations are being underutilized – their first inclination is to install more signs. This is not surprising of course, since wayfinding is, after all, the practice of helping people to find their way, and signage is the field’s most obvious, long-standing tool.

But while signage may be an important part of the solution, taking such a narrow view of both the objectives and parameters of a wayfinding program will severely limit its potential benefits. An effective wayfinding program will actually consider much more than just signage, and if done correctly, it will have benefits that go far beyond simply helping people find their destination. A holistic approach to wayfinding will look at every possible point of contact with a user of the system, from the time they begin contemplating and planning their journey until they reach their final destination. The result will be something more than just great wayfinding. It will actually play a leading role in shaping the overall experience of visitors, which is a critical component of a strong, valuable brand.

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