marta hackathon

Improving way-finding in atlanta’s public transportation

The ability to easily navigate through public transportation without the use of a phone application is a fundamental yet overlooked element in creating a working transportation system. The purpose of this project is to create clear, concise and consistent signage and design language for Atlanta's public transportation system, MARTA. Users need to be able to trust the public transportation system so that it can become integrated into not only the lives of people living in Atlanta, but also those who visit.

Won first place at the 2017 MARTA Hackathon in Atlanta, Georgia.

Examples of poor wayfinding on marta

Grey sign for “buses” on a grey background above eye level makes it difficult for users to see the sign.

While signs indicate “northbound” and “southbound” directions, there are no maps that indicate the stations along each direction or the end destination of each direction.

Bus schedules are small and difficult to read.

No clear indication of the direction of the train, upcoming stops or end destination.

design inspiration

The sign on the Stockholm Metro indicates where the passenger is located, the direction & stops of each train, and the location of each respective train.

During transit, passengers on the Paris Metro are alerted to the approaching stop by a blinking light above the next station. All previously passed stops are a solid color.

The Tokyo metro uses universal icons instead of solely text to make wayfinding easy and accessible for everyone.

concept sketch # 1

Screen Shot 2018-03-26 at 12.12.02 PM.png

Categorizes all informational signs into:
1. Entering
2. Exiting
3. At the platform
And assigns a consistent method of information presentation to each category, using contrasting colors, numbering systems and symbols alongside text, transcending language barriers using clear design language.

concept sketch # 2

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Our sketches are based off of signage systems that have worked internationally, such as in Sweden and Tokyo.

concept sketch # 3

Screen Shot 2018-03-26 at 12.12.11 PM.png

1. Easily accessible
2. Understood quickly
3. Intuitive

Copy of marta