© Visualvoice 2009

City of Melbourne. Visualvoice designed the Melbourne signage system in 2004 and continues to update and enhance the signage for the City of Melbourne. Above, one of the 3D wayfinding maps for the Docklands Precinct – showing landmarks, walking routes, public transport etc.

In October 2009 Visualvoice attended the international conference Walk 21 to learn about new projects and research towards creating sustainable and people friendly cities.

The view from the top of The Rockefeller Center.

Following the development of a comprehensive wayfinding strategy, new signage was developed to support walking between the key visitor domains within Central Parramatta. Prototype sign designs were evaluated via on street surveys with residents and visitors. The evaluation assisted in the detailed design to ensure the content and design was easily understood by all potential users of the system. The map based signs feature heads-up maps, ie the maps oriented in the direction of walking. 20 map based signs and 30 directional signs superseded the 100 plus existing signs which were confusing and out of date. Following installation feedback has been very positive and the mapping system is being expanded to other media such as online maps, bus route mapping and city marketing publications

One of the 20 map based signs featuring heads-up mapping. This sign is located near the ferry terminal and shows the walking routes and destinations along the riverside walk.




Concise, clear and easy to understand maps make the city legible to all people.





Directional signs complement the map based signs.


The mapping system has been integrated onto the loop bus stops and the loop buses (free shuttle buses)

Regionally Coordinated Pedestrian Wayfinding Project for four Inner Melbourne Councils – Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra.
Below: Map based signs showing precinct maps highlighting the walking & public transport travel options within the region.

Royal Park is a 170 hectare inner city park in Melbourne. The park has a number of significant barriers which can make navigating the park difficult. It is bisected by a major arterial road with only two regulated pedestrian crossings. The Upfield railway line runs through the northern section of the park in a deep cutting, which effectively divides this area. It is only possible to cross the railway line at one point, near the Royal Park Railway Station. The West Coburg tram runs north-south through the park also creating another barrier. The bird’s-eye view style maps show these barriers and preferred walking & cycling routes at a glance, which assists in understanding, leading to an improved visitor experience. The signs are located at key entry points in the park. The maps are ‘heads-up’ – what is in front of you is what you see, making the often confusing issue of map orientation easy to understand.