According to the website, one goal of the show is to “showcase exceptionally talented graphic designers.” I’m really looking forward to peeking in on their process and the evolution of the project. I want to yell at the screen, “No, not a san serif type!” Actually, I think the most interesting aspect will be seeing how viewers react, as in who will watch it? Will non-designers get really into it? I hope they do right by us! No word on an air date, but I’ll be checking my local listings for sure.

Because of my love for travel I find transit maps the most interesting and found the book, Transit Maps of the World, to be one of my greatest collections of transit maps out there. It includes New York City’s Subway Map, fourth on the list of most used metro systems in the world, and dates back original designs from 1905. (Speaking of the most used metro systems, it’s a good thing we are not #1 like Tokyo.)

Somehow I missed one of the greatest map releases last year. Massimo Vignelli has updated his original 1972 Map of New York City’s Subway and Men’s Vouge gave away a limited edition of 500. Vignelli thinks the current subway map is loaded with confusing information. Perhaps MTA should consider adapting and replacing the existing map?

See Massimo Vignelli explain his 1972 NYC Subway Map in an outtake from the film Helvetica.

I’ve worked on all kinds of maps. One of my favorites is the Cushman & Wakefield Manhattan map. This huge map covers most of the city of NY. From 65th Street to Battery Park, it’s a pretty well detailed and designed map (if I do say so myself). One cool thing about the map is the way we use color to show the kind of property it is, whether it’s a retail, residential or an office building. The New York Times wrote an article about the map and C&W liked it so much, they even made a pocket size version.

Getting the right information for the map was hard work. Alicia Dauro (Cushman & Wakefield researcher who worked on the map) went around the entire city making sure we had the most updated information. There was a new building being developed in practically every other block. She would call and email me about 10 times a day with an update to the map. I’m sure she was just as glad it was over as we all were.

But for the most part, this map was a cool experience. I’ve learned a lot about NY and its routes, buildings, and great points of interests. Next time there’s a subway strike, I’ll know exactly where to go.

Another significant issue addressed in the 2003 redesign were the changes made for those visually impaired. A specific color-shifting ink on each denomination helped to distinguish between each bill. Still with these recent changes little has been done to address issues for the blind. There has been a landmark ruling for the blind this year! In May 2008 a federal appeals court ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by failing to design currency that is distinguishable to the blind. Although this ruling might be overturned, it brought the issue into the public eye and might be seriously considered in the next design.

Perhaps in the new design we look to other nations. Several countries not only think about the blind and security but how they want to be represented culturally through imagery. While addressing all these issues, the Swiss Franc is far ahead of the U.S. with their high tech francs. This is one of the most beautiful currency designs with great detail towards the overall look. The security measures are integrated flawlessly and enhance the design. What I love most about this currency is that it ultimately celebrate the arts by choosing musicians, artists and one of my favorite architects – Le Corbusier. And it even somehow finds space to fit a biography of each in microtext. Look at these francs of perfection.