Designers: Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert, 1958
These are so familiar that no one notices how clever they really are. They convey important information quickly, unambiguously and without distraction to motorists travelling at speed. This demands expertise in perception and information processing, but the result is anything but academic, combining shape, type and symbol with simplicity and style. They look as good today as they did 50 years ago and have made motorway travelling safer and easier for millions. It is one of the hardest tasks to be simple. And it’s a triumph.
HT @designmuseum
There are also some really bad examples of these around the country that must’ve caused many accidents. Roundabouts where lane switching is required are especially bad.
Would like to trace and track down those bad examples as a follow-up to this post.
I’m actually rather surprised at the longevity of these Jock Kinneir and Margaret Calvert signs. Graphical improvements could have rectified the know problems you stated .
Here in the States signs are unbelievably bad, (or perhaps it’s just ex-pats use to a different set of expectations). GPS is the preferred way to drive around the New Jersey Turnpike which brings it’s own set of usability hazards.