The City as Interface: How Legible Cities Rethink Wayfinding Using UX Design

Design disciplines, like user experience (UX) design, have evolved to excel at devising experiences that make digital interfaces navigable. They accomplish this through a deep understanding of user needs and by mapping user journeys with meticulous attention to detail. The city represents a physical interface experienced by multiple users - residents, tourists, people of various ages and genders each experiencing it uniquely. In a time where digital interfaces are crafted for frictionless user experiences, why do many cities remain challenging to navigate?

The City as Interface: How Legible Cities Rethink Wayfinding Using UX Design
Agora Maximus, Tactical Urbanism Project / LAAB Collective + Signature Design Communication. Image © Raphaël Thibodeau Agora Maximus, Tactical Urbanism Project / LAAB Collective + Signature Design Communication. Image © Raphaël Thibodeau

Design disciplines, like user experience (UX) design, have evolved to excel at devising experiences that make digital interfaces navigable. They accomplish this through a deep understanding of user needs and by mapping user journeys with meticulous attention to detail. The city represents a physical interface experienced by multiple users - residents, tourists, people of various ages and genders each experiencing it uniquely. In a time where digital interfaces are crafted for frictionless user experiences, why do many cities remain challenging to navigate?

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