TO360 Wayfinding Products

Wayfinding users have differing information needs that are best met through a variety of wayfinding products such as printed maps, signs, web-based maps and digital applications. The TO360 on-street sign family includes wide signs, narrow signs, finger posts, wall mounted signs, bike share station maps, and transit shelter walking maps. Existing ‘Astral’ wayfinding signs will be updated with new TO360-style maps.

TO360 Product Range

A family of on-street sign products is offered to suit the surrounding context and users’ information needs. The TO360 sign family includes wide signs, narrow signs, finger posts, wall mounted signs, bike share station maps, and transit shelter walk maps. Existing ‘Astral’ wayfinding signs will be updated with new TO360-style maps.

Sign Placement

A handbook has been developed to guide the placement of TO360 Wayfinding signs to suite a variety of streetscape conditions across Toronto.

Image of TO360 on-street sign family

Image of map that highlights key features.

Different Information Needs

Wayfinding users have differing information needs that are best met through a variety of products such as printed maps, signs, web-based maps and digital applications. Underlying all of these products is clear and consistent wayfinding information.

TO360 Map Features

The map features include (see graphic right):

  1. Common district names
  2. Easily readable ‘sans serif’ fonts
  3. ‘You are here’ with 5 minute walk circle
  4. 2D illustrations for landmark buildings
  5. ‘Hand-offs’ to other wayfinding systems
  6. Parks and ravines wayfinding information
  7. Shaded color for important destinations
  8. Cycle wayfinding information
  9. Transit system wayfinding information
  10. Historic and cultural landmarks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image of narrow sign that highlights key features

Consistency

Consistency in design and placement is fundamental to effective wayfinding signs, providing predictability for users and establishing a consistent brand identity.

TO360 Sign Features

The sign features include (see graphic right):

  1. Area identification using common neighbourhood names
  2. Pointers to nearby destinations
  3. Historic and cultural interpretation
  4. Context map (15 minute walk circle)
  5. Detailed map (5 minute walk circle)
  6. Legend
  7. Partner identification
  8. ‘Call 311’ logo for city maintenance requests
  9. Capacity for future illumination

Other key on-street wayfingding features include:

  • Important information is located 90cm -140cm above ground level for ease of reading
  • Information is presented in several ways (such as maps and pointers) to help people better understand the local area
  • Durable materials are used such as stainless steel and tempered glass that will withstand the rigours of city streets
  • Standardized signs are paired with maps and text that are customized to reflect local character and landmarks
  • Signs have been designed to allow for future illumination

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image of a hand holding a phone with directional information

A digital strategy will be explored as part of this project phase. This review will include digital tools such as QR codes, RFI tags, wi-fi, and other technologies that support location-based services.

As a core principle, the City is investing in the development of an accurate and consistent wayfinding information database that will be available to everyone and can be used by our wayfinding partners to develop digital products.