Wayfinding for Moscow

Moscow, as with all large global cities, shares universal ambitions to make their city more liveable, legible and enjoyable for all citizens and visitors.

In 2013, design consultancy City ID were commissioned by Moscow Department of Transport to develop a multi-modal wayfinding system for Moscow.

The primary aim of the project was to develop a system to improve peoples’ experience of Moscow by providing a consistent information system for citizens, businesses and international visitors, in Russian and English, across all modes of transport and interchange environments. A high quality and integrated range of visitor, transport and wayfinding solutions have been developed to promote walking and public transport, encouraging visitors to explore – through revealing choices and experiences – and enjoy the city.

Through analysis of user needs and observation of pedestrian flows, information products have been specifically located to provide the right amount of information at the right point in the journey. The products have been designed to respect and compliment the varied environments in which they are placed. The graphic identity and product design were inspired and influenced by the heritage and character of the Metro. The circle – a key geometric form – is drawn from Moscow’s architecture, public realm and Metro interiors. It is integrated as a signature component of the design language within the wayfinding system. The first prototypes have now been installed in selected Metro stations as part of the pilot scheme. The system has been prepared to expand to connect all forms of transport in the city.

Wayfinding for Moscow
Design: City ID
Product design: Billings Jackson Design
Typeface and pictogram design: A2, art directed and designed by A2–TYPE, Scott Williams & Henrik Kubel with Margaret Calvert as type and pictogram consultant; Cyrillic script designed in collaboration with Ilya Ruderman
Product engineering and manufacturing: Lindner Group