in Research

New York Subway Map by Massimo Vignelli

Who is Massimo Vignelli?

Italian designer that worked in various areas of design. Some of his most prominent works include IBM logo and the New York City Subway map. He followed Modernist tradition using basic geometrical forms to bring out innovation and progression that reflects the society.

 

New York City Subway Map

While forming the New York City Subway, Massimo Vignelli and Bob Noorda (business partner) decided to first observe the commuters at the subway, to find out how they reacted once they left the subways and what they looked for. Through their detailed observations, came the revamp of several important aspects that form the subway stations.

By observing the habits of commuters, Massimo and Bob figured out what the commuters were looking for and worked towards solving the issue, presenting them in a way that was simple and easy to find and follow. Their newly design signage were more simplistic and much more cohesive, making it easier to understand without necessarily needing to understand the language used.

Redesigned examples of the signage in New York Subway Stations

The development of the pre-measured typographical system also ensured that the directional texts were cohesive and recognizable. It ensured that the words were pleasing to the eyes and well a line to ensure a systematic order, similar to the subways.

Using typography units to ensure organisation and cohesiveness in a signage

One of the greatest contribution of Massimo is the design of the New York Subway Map. Massimo believed that it was not necessary for people to know what was above ground, and instead focused on making the layout clean and efficiency in navigating. However, some commuters felt that the map was not geographically reflective of the actual areas above ground. While he took the criticism, he also mentioned that the map was a system of logic and not a landscape to him.

New York Subway Map in 1970s

New York Subway Map in 2008

Reflection

I think what was really interesting was how they re designed the areas via observing the commuters first. Although its really key in the process of finding out the problem, I feel that it is often missed out upon. Furthermore, through their designs, what they aim to improve is not simply the design itself but the interface and interaction of the design and the commuters.

I feel that this really brings another dimension to the works and showcases the power of graphic design and type. While the design itself may be 2D, the effect and the outreach to the audiences in a sense makes it “3D” and in a sense allows the participation of the individuals as well due to its “interactivity”. Its really amazing how visual communications can really bring out the different aspects of design and it’s something I feel is very important as a designer.

 

References:

How Graphic Design Legend Massimo Vignelli Cracked the NYC Subway System

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massimo_Vignelli
https://uk.phaidon.com/agenda/graphic-design/articles/2012/june/11/massimo-vignelli-archive-goes-on-
show-in-new-york/
https://ny.curbed.com/2017/1/10/14229654/nyc-subway-massimo-vignelli-design