WalkNYC is an innovative and comprehensive multimodal wayfinding program. The project’s primary challenge was to encourage people to walk, bike and ride public transit in New York City, by guiding them between neighbourhoods, destinations and transit services.
The system-based solution has delivered a variety of unified products including on-street wayfinding, CitiBike information, neighbourhood maps within Subway stations, bus information signs and printed maps with more products planned for future years. Creating a system of trusted information products and services enables and supports people as they move around the city.
PentaCityGroup, a joint venture led by City ID, was created to develop the world-class wayfinding system for NYCDOT, bring together a multi-disciplinary team of specialist wayfinding designers, industrial designers, graphic designers, engineers and GIS developers. PentaCityGroup worked in collaboration with NYCDOT to define solutions that feature:
_An information concept that could be integrated within all environments
_A visual identity for optimal legibility in all environments and journey stages
_Data and design resources that work across multiple communication channels – digital and printed media
_A family of products and placement guidelines for application within the urban structure
_A product language that has a lightness of touch within the context of streets and spaces and a relationship with other streetscape elements
_Design standards and guidance
The project is fast becoming a benchmark for other global cities wishing to develop wayfinding projects of this kind. The first phase was launched in June 2013 and is now moving in to its third phase. WalkNYC has gained the support of numerous resident groups, Business Improvement Districts and tourism agencies due to the system-based approach, simplicity of execution and the benefits gained in each area.
Early research found that the system achieved a 98% satisfaction rate, and the vast majority supported citywide roll-out and felt the system would encourage them to walk more.
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