Proposed sign family
The entire system relies on a standardized use of typography, iconography and colors, all which serve as a connective tissue between various cartographic products.
Consistent applications of icons comprised the visual language of the system.
Consistent applications of icons were a major part of the visual language of the system.
Neighborhood maps were installed at rail stations and major bus hubs. They help people overcome challenges associated with last-mile journeys. More specifically, they show riders who get off trains/buses to their bus stop or walking to destinations.
Station vicinity map featuring nearby points of interest
Local area maps are posted at light rail stations show nearby buses
Neighborhood map detail
Major landmarks help orient users on the map. These buildings are rendered in detail using axonometric projection.
Core transit network map conveys information about frequent routes in a simplified diagrammatic form. The schematic style serves to emphasize connectivity within the system.
System overview maps help riders solve most basic questions on the region-wide level.
Initial draft of the network overview map.
Every map began as a pencil sketch
Information Displays are located at busway and rail station and show both printed and digital transit information.
Proposed sign system was comprised of dozens of layouts and map templates to be installed at locations according to their designated purpose.
photo: Tony Webster
Bus stop signage serves as a gateway to the system. The bus information panels answer the most specific information about service from a particular stop. These products are designed to be succinct and easy-to-update, as many thousands of layouts will be potentially installed throughout Pittsburgh.
Proposed bus stop signage
Bus stop panels show more abstracted route maps
The style guidelines apply to other forms of signage, such as station entrance identification and park & ride totems.
Proposed concept for an interactive display that would show real-time train arrivals, service alerts and other relevant travel information.
Guiding Transit Users in Pittsburgh
Redesigning transit wayfinding and information system for Pittsburg's regional transit agency.
The Port Authority of Allegheny county (PAAC) is responsible for the operation of public transit including bus and rail services in Pennsylvania's second-largest metropolitan area. The agency hired CHK to come up with a comprehensive solution for the display of travel information in Pittsburgh and to maintain and update the information and wayfinding products over a period of several years.
The agency's main requirement was to create a unified, consistently branded graphic system that would be deployed across the entire region.
As a lead designer and cartographer, I was tasked with developing graphic standards, map and information displays. In keeping with CHK's philosophy, I created a family of products that combine pedestrian wayfinding with intuitive transit information products. From bus stop signage to pedestrian maps to rail schedules, these products work together to allow complete trip planning from any given point along the route.
