Blog Post 3: Getting Around

The original sign

Font Choice: Helvetica Neue Bold (my best guess)

Helvetica Neue Bold is a sans-serif typeface, that was designed to create a neutral typeface that had great clarity and could be used on a wide variety of signage, which is why Helvetica can be seen everywhere. Obviously, the whole point of using Helvetica on street signs is because it's clear and neutral, only communicating the essential, for example, the distance to the nearest park.

Problem: Lacking of authority

The sign I chose is clear, but lacks of authority. As a font, Helvetica Neue Bold is appropriate for this sign, but I would play around with the hierarchy and the layout of the text, in order to strengthen the tone of the sign. For instance, the word "No" is written exactly the same as the rest of the text, making it disappear and thus, making the sign less authoritative. As the word "No" applies to all activities mentioned on the sign, it could be shown more clearly by resizing it, and maybe using a different colour, like the colour red, and all caps. Also the phrase "All games strictly prohibited" could be written in small caps to emphasize the summarized message of the entire sign.

Redesigned sign

 The original sign probably isn't doing a very good job among all skate boarders and mountain bikers, as it isn't intimidating enough to make them obey the message conveyed by the sign. I haven't really seen any skate boarders or roller bladers in that area, but then again, I have barely seen any in Glasgow City Centre. Personally, If I were to be skate boarding, I'd probably choose that area, just to make ridicule of the sign.