Studio Brief 01 - Eye Magazine

In an article by Eye Magazine, design studio CityID explain their process of creating an identity for the Moscow Metro System through typeface and pictograms. The problem existing with Moscow's Metro signage is there is no clear identity and no coherent signage system much like Tropical World. Therefore identifying their solutions to these problems could be beneficial in tackling the wayfinding system in Tropical World.

CityID incorporated equity within their design of the train station's M. The original design that is already in place signifies Moscow and the Metro. Instead they used the original 'M' as a design block for the design of Moscow Sans. Even the designs of the pictograms utilise design elements of the Moscow sans typeface to maintain consistency.

To alleviate the problems of scale regarding long station names, Moscow Sans was developed to be wider in display. This is so that the typeface can be read more easily from an angle. This design decision can be taken into account when designing the high signs of Tropical World. Also, because the Metro signage uses two languages, Cyrilic and Latin, a contrast between the two was included to help with legibility. The two using the same weight and font would become confusing for the reader. Their typeface "Moscow Sans" is designed to be neutral against the grandeur of Moscow's subway stations whilst still retaining Moscow's personality.

By redesigning their wayfinding system, Moscow hopes to attract more commuters onto the Metro in efforts to reduce air pollution.