Thoughts on the Thomson-East Coast Line signboards
With the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 1 from Woodlands North to Woodlands South, we see yet again another Platform Screen Door (PSD) design from LTA. Attached is a mockup below.
Although I appreciate their commitment to improve signages on the upcoming new lines, I personally feel this represents yet another step backward after the trials at Tanjong Pagar. Instead of the route map or directional sign taking up the bulk of visual space, the station signboard occupy the bulk of visual space. This is unnecessary; commuters already know what station they are presently in, the focus should be on the end-destination of each platform instead! At least on the Downtown Line, the station signboard matched the dark blue livery they were using and blended in well with the route map. This is not the case here.
The directional signboard has been reduced to a small and cursory role, barely visible to the viewer. The existence of 3 Woodlands stations (North, Central and South) only increases potential confusion, since the route map includes the previous station on the map. It is not easy to tell at a quick glance the platform one should use and requires a concentrated look, which defeats the purpose of dispersing the crowds from the escalator landing.
In addition, the platform letter is also now a single letter situated within rectangular square, presumably signifying the platform itself. This is bordering on the extreme of abstract signage and expects passengers to memorize the meaning of icons in contrast of having it clearly spelled out. While this is a problem across all the signages in the new line, I am focusing sorely on the platform door design for this post.
One also presumes that a majority of the space dedicated to the platform letter will subsequently be taken over by the route map when the rest of TEL opens. Until then, LTA needs to tackle this problem.
Also, why on earth, for the first time in the MRT's existence, is the name of the line not on the PSDs? All previous lines have their names listed.
Until next time, see ya.
With the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line Stage 1 from Woodlands North to Woodlands South, we see yet again another Platform Screen Door (PSD) design from LTA. Attached is a mockup below.
Although I appreciate their commitment to improve signages on the upcoming new lines, I personally feel this represents yet another step backward after the trials at Tanjong Pagar. Instead of the route map or directional sign taking up the bulk of visual space, the station signboard occupy the bulk of visual space. This is unnecessary; commuters already know what station they are presently in, the focus should be on the end-destination of each platform instead! At least on the Downtown Line, the station signboard matched the dark blue livery they were using and blended in well with the route map. This is not the case here.
The directional signboard has been reduced to a small and cursory role, barely visible to the viewer. The existence of 3 Woodlands stations (North, Central and South) only increases potential confusion, since the route map includes the previous station on the map. It is not easy to tell at a quick glance the platform one should use and requires a concentrated look, which defeats the purpose of dispersing the crowds from the escalator landing.
In addition, the platform letter is also now a single letter situated within rectangular square, presumably signifying the platform itself. This is bordering on the extreme of abstract signage and expects passengers to memorize the meaning of icons in contrast of having it clearly spelled out. While this is a problem across all the signages in the new line, I am focusing sorely on the platform door design for this post.
One also presumes that a majority of the space dedicated to the platform letter will subsequently be taken over by the route map when the rest of TEL opens. Until then, LTA needs to tackle this problem.
Also, why on earth, for the first time in the MRT's existence, is the name of the line not on the PSDs? All previous lines have their names listed.
Until next time, see ya.
Comments