SDS on tour: sensory wayfinding, documenting historical signs and Birmingham Interconnect case study

The SDS on Tour in Birmingham event was a mix of academic and practice-based talks, a graphic design exhibition, Birmingham City University architecture and graphic communication graduate degree shows, graduate recruitment opportunities and a short city signage tour. The three talks were on sign design topics: sensory wayfinding, smellscapes & soundscapes with Dr Jieling Xiao; documenting historical signs before they disappear with Geraldine Marshall; and designing Interconnect, Birmingham’s Interconnect wayfinding system with Lottie Webb.

About our speakers

Jieling Xiao specialises in urban smellscape and soundscape research, focussing on the perceptual/sensory qualities and design of public spaces such as railway stations, bus shelters, shopping malls and libraries. She has recently published a book Handbook of Research on Perception Driven Approaches to Urban Assessment and Design which brings together her interdisciplinary interests in environmental science, psychology and public arts with urban design.

Geraldine Marshall is a Graphic Communication lecturer and designer. Her PhD project Graphic DNA aims to establish a more flexible definition of environmental lettering styles and their usage in the 21st century. As part of her research she plans to record, classify and analyse lettering on buildings, to enable a more informed discussion about signage that uses research outcomes rather than simply aesthetics.

Lottie Webb graduated from Birmingham City University’s Visual Communication course almost 6 years ago. She now works for wayfinding and design consultancy City ID, who specialise in improving the experience of cities and transport systems with well-planned and functional design. By understanding users’ unique needs, City ID create design solutions that knit together people, movement and places. Lottie uses her knowledge of strategic planning and Geographic Information Systems to influence projects for major global cities, including London, Moscow and San Francisco.

Recording