Improving Mumbai local train Signboards: Making Signboards more passenger-friendly
When was the last time you landed at any local train station in Mumbai in a hurry, and then looked at the signboard which was not so easy to read? Mumbaikars are always in a hurry more so when they want to catch their train on time. Hence it's important for signboards to be easy to read and facilitates quick decision-making.
I always have difficulty reading these local train signboards. It lacks good design principles. The design looks archaic as if they are straight coming out through someone's boring Excel sheet.
The good thing is by using some data visualization best practices we can improve readability significantly.
In the above image, I hope you would agree that “After” section is better than the “Before” section.
Steps used to improve the above left visual:
1- Header font should be greater or equal to values under it. To emphasise hierarchy.
2- Don't use ALL CAPS as it’s difficult to read.
3- Remove Vertical Grid lines: A large table using grid lines can be very daunting. A busy grid line distracts the reader from the data
4- Remove unnecessary border lines: The aim is to reduce the data-ink ratio.
5- Align the text in columns appropriately ex (left, centre and right align)
6- Highligting ‘Fast’ Mode to emphasise. It guides travellers to quickly look at fast trains and make their decision.
7- Colors used above are Color blind friendly. The contrast of text and background colour are configured accordingly.
This was an example of thinking about data visualization best practices in day-to-day life. Certain basic-level design best practices can help to improve readability and reduce confusion for travellers.
Let me know what are your feedback in the comments.
Link to the above Power BI Report: https://www.novypro.com/project/improving-railway-signage-boards
References :
- Dona M. Wong — The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics
- https://coolors.co/contrast-checker/112a46-acc8e5
- https://michigansignshops.com/blog/signs-for-colorblind-viewers/#:~:text=A%20few%20combinations%20that%20are,Orange%20and%20blue
- https://www.constructionworld.in/transport-infrastructure/metro-rail-and-railways-infrastructure/indian-railways-implements-uniform-signage-system-for-stations/40921
- https://www.codeconquest.com/blog/data-ink-ratio-explained-with-example/#:~:text=In%20other%20words%2C%20the%20data,visualization%20without%20losing%20any%20information.
- https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
