This year The London Design Festival will feature 50 well-known artists' takes on the British road sign and put them on display throughout the city. Celebrating the classic signs' 50th birthday, these new designs are playing off of the simple and effective circle, triangle and square signage that Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert designed half a century ago.
The artists' personal variants are each unique -- some simple and others elaborate, using anything from rock and roll to politics as inspiration. One sign designed by Aubrey Powell draws from the iconic 'The Dark Side of the Moon' Pink Floyd album cover art. Another sign The London Design Festival will put on display is more controversial -- a red X drawn through a black swastika as Fuel Design Studio's version of the 'no right turn' sign.
The simple shapes of current road signs are not viewed as revolutionary. However, their ability to facilitate citizens' everyday actions as second nature shows the power of simplicity in design.
British Road Signs
The London Design Festival is Hosting 50 Artists' New Versions of the Road Sign
Trend Themes
1. Artist Road Sign Designs - Opportunity for artists to create unique and innovative road sign designs that can add creativity and individuality to urban environments.
2. Inspiration From Music and Politics - Exploration of how road signs can be designed using elements from music and politics to convey messages and engage with viewers.
3. Power of Simple Design - Recognition of the effectiveness of simple shapes in road signs and how they can enhance everyday actions for citizens.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Opportunity for artists and designers to showcase their creativity and innovation through reinterpretations of road sign designs.
2. Music - Potential for collaboration between musicians and road sign designers to create visually striking signs inspired by music.
3. Urban Planning and Infrastructure - Integration of unique road sign designs into urban environments as a way to enhance public spaces and improve wayfinding.