Human Cities Festival

The Legible London concept was proposed in 2004 to tackle the problems faced by many travellers throughout the capital. In 2007 a prototype multi-modal wayfinding system was commissioned in a limited area in the West End to trial methodologies, uncover unknown issues and provide proof-of-concept. This was implemented in November and evaluated the following February. The evaluation has been some of the most extensive of a scheme of this kind to date.
The main premise is that if users are presented with accurate, timely and reliable wayfinding information then this will promote walking as a viable transport alternative for some journeys that are currently served by other transport modes. Research has shown that many journeys currently made by underground, could be made quicker by walking and also deliver additional benefits including personal health, stimulation of local economy and improvement to the local environment and to society.
An understanding of mapping designed for walkers is at the heart of the idea, along with an array of central data resources to connect information and providers together. This talk will provide background to the research and methodologies behind the initial concept, the formulation of the idea, and the creation of the prototype solution.

Tim Fendley is the founder of Applied Information Group, an advisor to the Helen Hamlyn Centre at the RCA and on the editorial board of the IDJ. He is a tireless speaker and campaigner for the development af accessible wayfinding systems for public places. He has spoken on the subject to the London School of Economics, Reading University, Sign Design Society and the International Institute for Information Design - IIID, Vienna. As a UK member of IIID Tim organised and convened a conference on the subject of wayfinding and transportation. Tim has also spoken in London, Leeds, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Stockholm, Oslo, Bristol, Brussels, Molln, Antwerp, Berlin, New York, San Francisco, Arnhem, Vienna, Kyoto, Tokyo and Seoul.