Find two maps of a building or place you have visited – one map is badly designed and the other is well designed. Be prepared to explain your examples and bring maps to class. Think of a time you were lost in a place and write in your journal how and why you got lost. What about the user experience didn’t work for you?
I was not able to find two maps of a same place, but found two different maps for different places instead!
Good Map: Macritchie Reservoir
Good points:
- Very straightforward, only a few paths deviating from the main trails
- Useful and concise information given (such as the distance, time taken and difficulty level)
- Colour-coded trails and accurately drawn map, with landmarks stated
- Important facilities like toilets and bus stops also clearly illustrated using icons
- The trails have many sign boards which indicate direction and distance
- Rules and precautions stated. Important contact info stated. (however, the opening hours and days for Tree-Top walk not stated)
“Bad” Map: National Gallery Singapore
Good points:
- Colour-coded areas according to category (F&B, retail stores, galleries, etc)
- Clear icons
- Both top-down and side views given
Bad points:
- Maps of buildings with many levels and information are generally confusing
- After going through a gallery, it is hard to remember where you entered and where you are headed to next. Galleries have similar interiors
- Colours quite close (turquoise, blue and sea green) force you to refer to the legend to double check what it is. Do bright red= important areas? Which areas do we take note of? Also, the red areas are not labelled in the legend.
- Tiring to keep referring to the map and having to reopen it, so it felt better to just explore without the map
- No guide where to start from and progress
- Time consuming to fully comprehend the map