The challenge was to "redesign this image / sign [of parking signage in downtown Portland, ME] to increase both ease of readability and visual aesthetics."

 

I consider this challenge more than just a design issue; it's an information delivery and hierarchy problem. Confusion arises because the existing signage communicates a variety of facts about the street in roughly the same "volume" or intensity. Day-to-day, high-level concerns (can I park here?) are given the same real estate as considerations that only come into play twice a month, or during a single season.

 

For my submission, I first streamlined the content. The question of "can I park here?" (the answer to which is different on each side of the signpost) is answered by the top two divided pieces of the sign, using clear iconography and bold colors that can be seen at a glance. The caveats (which apply to the entire streetside) are minimized and placed globally at the bottom. Traffic light -style colors are used to further compress the information. The goal is to allow a decision to be made quickly, and provide context when other elements must be considered.

 

Parking signage, ultimately, relies on a combination of clear communication and a shared understanding of the space and what is expected of it - and that is the spirit of my submission - which was one of six winners selected for prominent display.