You might know that one of my pet peeves are maps of town centres which are based upon road maps. Great if you want to know how to drive in and park, but disappointing if you’re a visitor wanting to know where to shop, to buy some food, get a cup of coffee or stronger, find local services, see places of interest or maybe just have a walk around.
I blame this carelessness on graphic designers! We need to consider who the map is designed for and the many ways it could be used – it shouldn’t be for car drivers as they have sat-navs!
Previous Food Festival maps have been based upon accurate road and building dimensions and have concentrated upon the temporary food stalls. So this year we thought that this should be expanded to support the existing food and drink outlets in the town and the places to explore with the hope that some of the 35,000 visitors would be attracted back to Clitheroe, when it’s quiet, to explore it a little more.
The Food Festival Map is a simplified diagram showing visitors how to navigate their way through the streets and market in a circular way which hadn’t been that obvious before. The colour coding of each food area was improved and little things like having the live music schedules, pedestrian shortcuts and cash-points were added.
There’s also some personal touches with tiny illustrations of local people and their pets.
Folded Map Design and Production by MJ Hindman, Graphic Designer, Burnley Council.
Original Festival logo by Latitude Strategic Marketing
Click to enlarge
With some 35,000 visitors it was important to use the map to inform people about the difficulty of parking in the centre and to direct people towards using public transport especially the Park & Ride service.
PS. On the edges of the map I prefer to have “From” direction arrows bringing people in from local towns rather than “To” directing people away. Sounds better doesn’t it.