FWT – LONDON UNDERGROUND MAP 2020

Description

FWT’s review of the London Underground map focused on improving how interchange difficulty, map geometry, service patterns and typography are communicated. They found interchange ease varies hugely by station and direction—from same‑platform changes to long subways, stairs, escalators or out‑of‑station walks—yet existing single‑ring/dumb‑bell symbols cannot reliably convey this complexity without overwhelming users. FWT proposed categorizing interchanges into three clear types (joined rings for in‑station, detached rings for leaving railway property, and ticks for poor/out‑of‑station links) but agreed not to apply detailed grading on pocket maps. They also identified poor geometry and fare‑zone constraints that obscure station sequences and mislead readers (examples: Oxford Circus, Paddington, Earl’s Court, Rayners Lane, Canary Wharf, Bank/Monument). Attempts to show service patterns (Metropolitan) risked confusion and were dropped. Legibility issues led to recommendations to change New Johnston styling and use black, larger type, but map‑size limits prevented full implementation. Although accepted in principle, the redesign was not fully adopted.