Shape of U

Bringing Prague metro map up to the 2020 speed

Transit system of Prague needs no introduction. Solid combo of subway and ground networks makes it arguably one of the best mass transit systems in the world, especially once you factor in the price. $25 unlimited monthly pass anyone?

Sure enough it’s all good in wayfinding department, too, one might think. Well, yes and no. There’s certainly sheer amount of artefacts. Two institutions that seemingly are not aware of each other’s existence keep producing inexplicably similar yet distinct maps. How would you like your trams: rare, medium-rare, medium-well or maybe well done? Are we in quantity over quality kind of situation? Let’s take a closer look.

I’d expect subway map to be a key as long as it’s dominating the traffic with over 600 million yearly passengers, although trams are catching up with 370 million. Perhaps that’s why most of subway maps in the city are also featuring tram network in some form.

Here’s two of them: the less detailed and slightly more detailed one:

The one on the left is being actively used on the metro these days, scrutinised not only by enthusiasts but millions of daily viewers (unless it’s a pandemic weekend, of course):

Which makes it critical in terms of quality and ease of use. And after not-so-deep examination there seems to be quite some space for improvement, indeed:

1. Lack of routing makes tram network virtually useless. It’s not answering any question other than ‘Are there any trams at all?’ Yes, there are, but it could tell more than that, couldn’t it?
2. Yet the whole thing appears to be trying to tell too many stories. Rather secondary things (those icons on the left) are chewing up precious space pushing the main subject aside. And what’s the main subject anyway? Is there a reason for trams to challenge the whole scene?
3. Its less than exciting aesthetics dating back to some 30+ years ago feels underwhelming and unnecessarily complicated at times.

Now, by no means this is a disaster. The map absolutely does its job. It’s only a matter of how well it does it, and it’s often times details that make a difference.

But hang on. Could they possibly adapt the more detailed version with tram routing on it and make it actually useful? They surely could. Unfortunately, that’s not going to address the other issues. They could probably still address #2 by simply dimming colours, but in order to ultimately deal with #3 there’s no other way around than total re-design.

Which is what I couldn’t resist attempting:

Reminiscent of the remarkable TV ad, the only thing that I’ve changed was everything:

• Introduced routing along tram lines. Now one can get an idea of available connections, not only see the trams are there. Why not introduce individual lines? Bear with me.
• Dimmed tram network bringing the subject of the map to the front: the subway. It’s no longer overwhelming viewers with the things they’re not dealing with right now but still keeps them informed.
• Re-designed the topology and the graphics making a case for simplicity and readability, confused passenger’s best friends.

The line D, currently under construction, now tentatively showing up at south-east where lucky residents might expect first connections some time around 2023, if all goes as planned like it never does.

Things that have been doing rather well still in place, though: labelled neighbourhoods, tourist landmarks, airport transfer lines, which now stand out a bit better catering for about 7 million foreign visitors a year.

Cool. But how these improvements play out in real life? To find out, three things are going to be needed: a) paper, b) scotch tape, c) suspicious activity in the train.

It looks great and stuff, but I’d lie if I claimed there’s nothing to improve. Here’s what I might want to re-consider next time:

• Portrait orientation seems to be more suitable for the panels maps are attached to. It is not a coincidence the original is in portrait.
• Too little contrast probably is not the best idea for the underground conditions.
• Baby goats live under kitchen stoves.

It actually turned out pretty well in real setting, and even though I’m not in a position to evaluate my own work, I’m definitely in a position to enjoy it.

In the meantime rumour has it official map overhaul is under way. What a time to be alive! Hope Prague is getting wayfinding piece it truly deserves and thrilled to see whatever future brings (I’m looking at you 2021).

Please stay tuned and stay safe.