The way the city has evolved means that visitors and residents alike typically perceive the two as distinct destinations – which lie nearly two miles apart. However, the city council is on a mission to improve links between the two locations to encourage visitors to explore a little further.

We embarked on early stage research, engaging with stakeholders to build a clear picture of users’ perceptions of and experience in (and between) both hubs.

We identified key routes and destinations, and held workshops to learn how locals understand and build a mental map of the city and its routes.

All signage had to be dual language with, importantly, Welsh the dominant language. This dynamic required us keep one eye of the amount of information to be displayed on each sign so as not to overwhelm the user.

Cardiff’s maps needed to be carefully designed to avoid information overload. We:

• Distinguished pedestrian and cycle routes using different colours and line weights
• Graphically established a route hierarchy so key routes stand out more than others
• Identified primary, secondary and tertiary destinations through colour and contrast
• Incorporated landmark elevations to help build mental images of key orientation points
• Incorporated walking circles to demonstrate walkability
• Implemented simple iconography for clear communication that crosses language and other communication barriers
 

Rarely in the United Kingdom or in Ireland will you encounter a regimented or organised town. The opposite – a place that grew organically with surprising twists and turns along the way – is much more the norm.

Wayfinding is rarely simply about navigation. It’s about bridging gaps in understanding and fostering a deeper connection between people and the spaces they inhabit. And then it’s a matter of using strategically placed and carefully designed signage to reinforce these connections.