Maynard were commissioned by Southampton City Council to develop a new city wayfinding and mapping system. We were tasked with transforming the city centre map into a cohesive multi-modal wayfinding and transport system.
We integrated our product and graphic design capabilities and combined these with our strong supplier relationships. This allowed us to take a holistic approach to the design of the signage components. We created a visually coherent graphic system, unifying the various transport providers under one identity. We delivered a comprehensive guideline document for the application of the graphic strategy to bus stop infrastructure, marketing material (leaflets, posters, website, mobile app), and bus liveries.
We’re honoured to have won the 2013 Sign Design Society Award for Information Design for this project.
We designed a robust family of on-street wayfinding products to house the information system. Each sign type was engineered for durability, accessibility, and ease of maintenance, while complementing the character of Southampton’s streetscape. Pilot installations underwent user testing and public engagement to refine legibility, scale, and placement before wider roll-out. The final product suite provided a consistent platform for delivering clear, accessible information to residents and visitors alike.
Since the initial pilot in 2010, the ‘Legible City’ system has been rolled out in phases across Southampton, evolving into a fully multi-modal, multi-media transport information network covering pedestrian routes, rail, bus, and cycling.
Its proven effectiveness has led to adoption by other towns and cities across Hampshire, including Portsmouth and Winchester. The initiative continues to be expanded and updated, guided by ongoing user feedback and public uptake, ensuring it remains an integral part of the city’s identity and accessibility.