Living in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities is daunting and desensitizing. Not only does the constant noise become normality to you, but the constant rush to get from point “A” to point “B” creates a tunnel vision of sorts. It takes away the curiosity of the wonder and leaves you with the angst of worry. Luckily, someone understood that pain and commissioned the creation of the High Line.
Branding
Environmental Design
UI/UX
The High Line is one of New York City’s hidden gems. Born out of love and a fight for organic preservation, the High Line is a railway-turned-public park that allows visitors to escape the busy streets and marvel at different works of art. Over the years, the park expanded to include new attractions, inclusive access methods, community events, and a handy app. With all this exploration, I noticed something missing from this experience.
In an exercise in branding and wayfinding design, I conceptualized an updated brand identity and navigation system for The High Line. The system includes physical additions and a new feature for their app.
After visiting the High Line multiple times, I noticed a few overlooked factors. The park has numerous features that don’t call for extensive engagement. While that isn’t inherently negative for a park like this, it can still feel somewhat underwhelming at the end of the experience. And by the time a visitor is ready to leave, they may have trouble figuring out where they are and how to get to their next destination. For out-of-town visitors, factors like this may take away from the High Line’s intrinsic appeal and return value.
After visiting the High Line multiple times, I noticed a few overlooked factors. The park has numerous features that don’t call for extensive engagement. While that isn’t inherently negative for a park like this, it can still feel somewhat underwhelming at the end of the experience. And by the time a visitor is ready to leave, they may have trouble figuring out where they are and how to get to their next destination. For out-of-town visitors, factors like this may take away from the High Line’s intrinsic appeal and return value.
The solution needed to address these issues and seamlessly integrate into the overall experience. What new information would visitors need the most when entering or exiting the park? How could I make that information easily obtained? What part of the current experience can be enhanced to influence extended stays? The missing link to both of these issues was rather practical.
The solution needed to address these issues and seamlessly integrate into the overall experience. What new information would visitors need the most when entering or exiting the park? How could I make that information easily obtained? What part of the current experience can be enhanced to influence extended stays? The missing link to both of these issues was rather practical.
My wayfinding solution concept utilizes physical land/feature markers and an addition to their app to encourage engagement and support navigation of the park. The physical signage consists of kiosks that provide location-point access, transit, and artwork information. The new “Wander” app option is a fun, camera-based feature that allows users to scan, mark, and view information on the artwork they find and earn achievements and rewards to local businesses.
My wayfinding solution concept utilizes physical land/feature markers and an addition to their app to encourage engagement and support navigation of the park. The physical signage consists of kiosks that provide location-point access, transit, and artwork information. The new “Wander” app option is a fun, camera-based feature that allows users to scan, mark, and view information on the artwork they find and earn achievements and rewards to local businesses.
The High Line rebrand focused on brightening and modernizing the existing elements. The update includes a versatile logo redesign that aligns with the ergonomic design of the park.
The High Line rebrand focused on brightening and modernizing the existing elements. The update includes a versatile logo redesign that aligns with the ergonomic design of the park.
