Wayfinding Research in Leeds - Study Task 01

The task was a video research project, where we had to record how the public moved and interacted with the space around them. Three main aims were to: create a diversion, create a new connection, and make someone pause or stop. Our initial ideas were to use tape, and existing well-known recognisable signs.

Using the tape, we were able to create obstacles that the public did not expect. The reactions when faced with these obstacles were of some of acceptance and light-heartedness, whilst others of confusion and annoyance. For example, when we placed tape across the stretch of stairs, some people were surprised but not faltered by it and simply dove underneath the tape, whilst others decided that this route cannot be taken and changed course all together. In this manner we were able to create a diversion. 

For our existing sign idea, we chose the 'stop' sign, as we knew it to be visually very noticeable and recognisable. For this part we decided to become part of the diversion ourselves, by holding up the stop signs and facing the oncoming public. By being part of the obstacle, we allowed the creation of new connections. As people walked past, at times hesitant whether to truly stop or not, we received smiles and laughs, as well as small phrases of conversation. We got to interact with the public on a more personal level, as well as affect the way they moved through the space. 

We felt confident with using tape, as we felt it was easy and affective. So we applied it again to several other situations. In one of them we placed the tape in 'X' forms on the shopping centre floor. Although not many people noticed or reacted to the tape, we did receive a reaction from two little children, who stopped curiously to investigate what the tape was doing there, and found it some-what entertaining and amusing. This was quite interesting as it shows the difference between children and adults, and how they interpret the space around them; something that an adult does not even notice, is noticed and investigated by the child.