NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD WAYFINDING
Background
The National Library Board is a statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Information of the government of Singapore. NLB manages 27 public libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore.
with Chemistry Team, 2019
Communication Designer
Design Research | Visual Communication
Public Libraries are a valuable public resource that caters to diverse groups of people. However, finding your way through shelves upon shelves of books can be challenging and even frustrating for many. In 2019, Chemistry worked with the National Library Board (NLB) to embody the aspirations of what the library of the future would be in a comprehensive spatial and wayfinding blueprint.
Understanding that wayfinding is more than just the design of signage. There were considerations regarding appropriate spatial design and placement of signage help patrons intuitively understand where they are located.
This is why early research aimed to uncover behavioural patterns of various patron archetypes. These were used to craft a strategic spatial model to divide the library spaces into different usage areas, such as high- and low-footfall or noise allowance.
Communication Designer
Design Research | Visual Communication
Public Libraries are a valuable public resource that caters to diverse groups of people. However, finding your way through shelves upon shelves of books can be challenging and even frustrating for many. In 2019, Chemistry worked with the National Library Board (NLB) to embody the aspirations of what the library of the future would be in a comprehensive spatial and wayfinding blueprint.
Understanding that wayfinding is more than just the design of signage. There were considerations regarding appropriate spatial design and placement of signage help patrons intuitively understand where they are located.
This is why early research aimed to uncover behavioural patterns of various patron archetypes. These were used to craft a strategic spatial model to divide the library spaces into different usage areas, such as high- and low-footfall or noise allowance.
Through rigorous testing and iteration, we crafted an intuitive and comprehensive family of signages, including a supporting colour scheme and a customised set of pictograms.
This was the first time the NLB was able to apply a consistent wayfinding strategy and roll out a customised signage system across existing and future libraries.
This was the first time the NLB was able to apply a consistent wayfinding strategy and roll out a customised signage system across existing and future libraries.