Welcome to my design research journal.
Beginning in 2005, I have undertaken an examination
of Ireland’s dual-language road signs.
Current Irish signage is not in line with State regulation on use of Irish Language. Furthermore, it has never been the subject of design testing or research (nor was it created by experienced information designers). I examine our signs and look at the experience from other countries and the reactions of Ireland’s road users to prototype designs based on my conclusions…
Ireland's dual language road signs, research information
- Read some essentials about the design project to improve our signs.
- Find out more about 'halation' and its importance for an ageing population.
- The prototype signs incorporate recent developments and research on road sign design.
Examining design alternatives to our current sign design
- Testing prototype solutions versus existing standards, see the results.
- Why use colour differentiation for languages?
- ’Drawing’ conclusions, the evolution of the Turas prototype system.
Ireland's road sign design, how did we get here?
- Here's a little context on Ireland's road signs.
- Ireland's sign design was adapted from the UK's system. Here's a little of the UK's design history.
Information on the Irish language as represented in Ireland's road signs
- The reduced status of the Irish language in Ireland's road signs, here.
- Government policy and law as it pertains to signs, a brief outline.
- Implications of road signs for national identity and the Irish language? Read more...
Get involved...
Please note that the intention of this journal is to inform and is part of an academic project. I welcome any comments, criticisms, corrections or discussion (and any encouragement!). Please get in touch. Do feel free to contact Garrett with any enquiries. But if you have a particular question or comment about the details of the project, I'd encourage you to leave a comment and share the discussion with others, thanks.