공공공간 사인의 디자인향상 방안에 대한 연구

Background Information signs in public places are some of the most important design elements that provide critical information to the users, such as locational information. However, it is still true that many of the informative signs in Korea fall short in terms of their informative efficacy and design characteristics, requiring persistent efforts for improvement. The purpose of this study, in this regard, is to examine the current status of the public information signs, identify their problematic issues, examine overseas examples, and provide user evaluation on them with a view to improve design quality. Methods This study analyzed the existing literature to identify the current status and problems with the study topic and organized the means of evaluation for them. In addition, overseas examples were used to identify the implications for their improvement. Then, a user survey was conducted based on the four aspects of the visibility, aesthetic values, functionality, and uniqueness of the information sign designs according to the users at Shindorim subway station, Gangnam station, and Banpo Express Bus Terminal station, which are some of the most widely known subway transfer terminals in Korea. Lastly, the findings from the study were summarized with suggestions for future improvements. Results Firstly, some of the key elements that could contribute to improvement of the design include the persistent application of universal design concepts in addition to visibility, uniqueness, and readability to ensure users" convenience in using the facility. Secondly, it was identified from the overseas cases that factoring in the unique color of the area and consideration for various users are as important as providing clear and precise information in the designs. Thirdly, the survey, which was conducted in key subway stations in Seoul revealed that the current signs in the city have considerable problems in terms of their designs, management, and consideration of the users. Especially, the informative function, which is the most important feature of signs, scored the lowest in terms of customer satisfaction, signifying the urgent need for their improvement. The element in the most urgent need of improvement turned out to be the improvement of aesthetic values, followed by quantity and appropriateness of the distribution of the signs, consideration of physically disadvantageous people, safety, and maintenance. Conclusion One of the implications of this study is that now the current problems with the information signs in Korean subways stations have been clearly identified. In consideration of the pedestrian environment for pedestrians with various conditions, and for the sake of safe usage of the space, it is important to improve the sign designs in subway stations. And, it is also necessary to widen the scope of design assessment of the information signs in public spaces beyond subway stations to enhance the usability of pedestrian spaces. Lastly, it is my hope that this study would provide an important implication for public sign designs to enhance the quality of public pedestrian spaces.