Cheng – BEYOND BECK 2014

Description

The paper applies the Representational Epistemic (REEP) approach to redesign schematic transit maps as an alternative to Harry Beck’s ubiquitous node-line-symbol (NLS) format. By identifying core conceptual classes (structural, temporal, functional, identity, behavioural) and following REEP principles P1–P4, the author develops a container-node-symbol-colour (CNSC) format. Stations become containers holding platform-lines, path-nodes, exit-nodes and icons; transit connections are transit-nodes on container perimeters. Numbers encode travel and walking times, letters indicate accessibility categories, colours denote line identity, arrows and coloured dots show travel direction and user orientation, and symbol strings specify carriage placement relative to exits. CNSC integrates diverse information (accessibility, toilets, fare zones, bicycle allowances) into a single coherent graphic, potentially benefiting sophisticated planners and mobility-impaired users and suiting mobile interfaces. The design abandons geographic realism and introduces layout trade-offs (elongation, overlaps). Empirical user evaluation is recommended to validate effectiveness.