January 18, 2008Alternative Subway MapsI spent a week in NY around the New Years Eve, which gave me ample opportunities to complain about NY subway. Don't get me wrong, I wish San Francisco had something like that instead of the joke that we call "BART," but when I compare NY subway with real subway systems, like the one in Moscow, many flaws seem apparent. The main of those for me is utter lack of "user-friendliness." NY subway is with anyone but the first time user in mind. Consider, for example, that there are no maps in the stations, so you basically have to take your chances with a train, and then in the train find out that you got on an express. Not that the maps are any good. Which brings me to the main story. I mentioned my frustration with the NY subway map to a friend and he mentioned that one designer has been campaigning for an alternative. 
It does seem to me that the "KICK" map since 2004. It's a big improvement, in my opinion, and brings a semblance of order to what at the base is a completely chaotic subway network. Last night I run into an alternative map of Moscow subway on a Russian blog. The first below is a part of the official map, the second is the redesigned. Click on both images to see them full-size. 
I agree with the author of the alternative diagram that his version is both easier to understand and is also more pleasing esthetically than the traditional "bike chain" version. As he says: "The diagram looks simple, clean and light. The subway appears to be what it should seem like to a person - a magic teleportation system." So, I am glad the Moscow subway now also has a diagram worthy of being framed and put on a wall. Filed under: USA 2007 , USA , Russia , New York Comments
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Quoth cheesebikini, on February 2, 2008 at 2:11 p.m.: Yes the kickmap is MUCH better, I used it my whole time in NY last year... It sacrifices a LOT of accuracy in showing a station's location relative to the streets, especially for stations w/ lots of lines, but it's worth it for the other advantages. But what's this "no maps in the NYC stations" business? There are definitely maps in the stations... |
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