Lack of Signage

Just a random thought... it was brought to my attention today (thanks to the CNN coverage of the inauguration) that large events often times do not have adequate signs letting people know where to go or what is currently happening.

According to CNN's anchors even they weren't sure of where to go today. I'm writing this to remind myself later that large events are good venues for enhanced signage. These large events filled with people need to know where to go for various aspects of the event and how to navigate from here to there within the crowds. With such large events such as the inaugural address, it's the perfect opportunity for signs that can interact with people or can change as new information becomes available (maybe areas that have become too crowded or others that still have space available).

Just thoughts, not sure where it's going or if it's helpful yet.

Ah ha!

What do you call a sign that is more than a sign? What if a sign has motion? What about a sign you can interact with? Two words: enhanced signage. Yes, I've come up with a way to describe my thesis. My updated proposal deals with enhanced signage. I'm interested in how signs can provide more information and/or provide the information in a more engaging way. At this point I've looked at regular signage systems and motion designs. I've even found a few interactive systems that are similar to what I've described while not exactly there. These are a little more on the commercial side of things and I think I'd like to explore more of information side of things, like airport or subway schedules or routes.

Links:

A Case for Interactive Digital Signage - few reasons for why to move to interactive signage

Adidas interactive digital signage from YDreams - video showing a large interactive piece done for Adidas

MegaPhone - A large scale, very interactive game

Reading All About Signs

While pondering how to finish updating my proposal I found some promising books on signage at the library. 

Signage Systems & Information Graphics

Pictograms, Icons & Signs

Sign Design (Can't find link)

Sign Graphics

I've got them checked out for a while so if you'd like to take a look at any of them let me know.

I've focused my research more on motion to enhance or expand information in relation to signs. That's rather wordy and I'm trying to work on it, any suggestions?