Orientation design

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Bronze model for the blind on the cathedral square in Münster

Orientation design deals with the orientation of people in unknown places. A good orientation design combines the disciplines of architecture, cartography, graphic and product design, taking into account the psychology of perception, to form complex systems. These systems are called orientation, guidance or information systems .

Orientation systems

Providing help with orientation is a traditional task.
Visitor navigation in Cubbon Park in Bangalore

In order to be able to guarantee good orientation, orientation systems must establish clear communication with their recipients . In order to be able to achieve this, the orientation design uses signage . For this purpose, writing as well as pictograms and arrows are used . In order to be able to ensure good legibility quickly and at greater distances, certain criteria must be taken into account when selecting fonts and using these fonts correctly. In most cases, signs, but also beamer projections or leaflets are used as sign carriers.

Legibility in orientation systems

With DIN 1450, the German Institute for Standardization describes a standard for the legible display of writing. Microtypographical criteria to be observed that relate to the choice of the font for a signaling text include: a. Use of a sans serif linear antiqua , a line width of 15 to 20% of the middle length , a low line width contrast , open inner forms of the characters and individual forms of characters to distinguish them (e.g. two-tier g to separate the q). Macro-typographical criteria include a. a center length of at least 0.25% of the viewing distance (e.g. at 2 m distance 5 mm center length ≈ 30 pt font size), mixed spelling (upper and lower case letters) for individual word outlines and sufficient color contrast to the characters.

Accessibility of orientation systems

In publicly accessible buildings, the orientation systems must also be designed to be barrier-free. There are a few things to consider here. The information must be made available as large, clear and glare-free as possible. In addition, the information must be tactile, i.e. easily palpable. The additional use of floor indicators can also be used to guide visually impaired people. The obligation to create barrier-free orientation systems is stipulated in Section 4 of the BGG , the German Equal Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act. Similar provisions are contained in the disability equality laws of other countries.

literature

  • Christian Lunger and Markus Scheiber: Orientation when traveling. Tourist guidance systems . DOM Publishers, Berlin 2009, ISBN 978-3-93866620-3 .
  • Andreas Uebele : Orientation systems and signage . Hermann Schmidt, Mainz 2006, ISBN 978-3874396745 .
  • Andreas Uebele: Signage Systems and Information Graphics: A Professional Sourcebook . Thames & Hudson, London 2009, ISBN 0-50028848-8 .
  • Peter Zec : Orientation in space: an investigation into the design of orientation and guidance systems . Mabec, Soest 2002, ISBN 978-3899390582 .
  • David Gibson: The Wayfinding Handbook: Information Design for Public Places . Princeton Architectural Press, New York 2009, ISBN 978-1-56898769-9
  • Rayan Abdullah and Roger Hübner: Pictograms and Icons Hermann Schmidt, Mainz 2005. ISBN 978-3-87439-649-3

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ DIN 1450, writings; Legibility (April 2013). German institute for standardization. Berlin: Beuth.