
Singaporean artist creates crucial wayfinding signs to aid commuters
Singaporean artist creates crucial wayfinding signs to aid commuters
- Vareck Ng, a musician and transit enthusiast, began creating wayfinding signs in Singapore in 2020.
- He has installed around 100 unofficial wayfinding signs across the city, upgrading their materials based on community feedback.
- Ng calls for standardized guidelines for cycling paths and better integration of cycling into public transport planning.
Story
In Singapore, Vareck Ng, a dedicated transit enthusiast and musician, has taken it upon himself to enhance the navigation experience for public transport users. Since 2020, he has installed around 100 unofficial wayfinding signs throughout the island to address gaps in public transport information. His journey began with the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line, which highlighted deficiencies in existing directional signage. Observing passengers struggling with navigation inspired Ng to place signs pointing to key destinations from bus stops and park connectors. As he noticed the positive reactions towards his work, he would upgrade his signs, developing them from simple paper notices to more robust laminated and plastic versions. Ng’s passion for wayfinding is influenced by his experiences cycling around Singapore and examples from other countries like Tokyo and Jakarta, where he admires their effective urban navigation solutions. He argues that improving wayfinding not only benefits individual commuters but also enhances the overall efficiency of the city’s public transport system. Furthermore, he advocates for standardized guidelines for cycling paths and a better integration of cycling routes into emergency plans during MRT disruptions, suggesting cycling can sometimes be a quicker alternative during such situations. His efforts demonstrate a grassroots approach to urban planning, highlighting the importance of community involvement in creating a navigational environment that truly serves its citizens.