Project Images
Description
At the end of my degree in Media Informatics, I wrote my Bachelor’s thesis on the subject of map design. The thesis “Karte mit Marke: Kartografische Darstellungen im Corporate Design” (Branded maps: cartographic representations in corporate design) is around 90 pages long and deals with the following question: How can a map be designed so that it is user-friendly and successfully conveys information on the one hand, while following the corporate design guidelines of a brand on the other?
The thesis starts by introducing the theoretical foundations of cartography, map design and corporate design and examines possible links between these topics. After that, the integration of corporate design into maps is tested in practice by designing a new campus map of Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS).
Designing a new map for my university
The campus map that had been used up to that point offers a lot of potential for improvement in terms of an accurate and user-friendly design and a lot of information (e.g. footpaths, wheelchair accessibility, exact location of the campus within the city) is not adequately communicated. This was the result of a user survey conducted as part of the thesis, which formed the basis for the redesign of the campus map.
My redesign comes in two variations: A compact map in A4 format which gives a brief overview and allows for quick, initial orientation, as well as a detailed map in A2 format, which offers more information and is intended to be displayed inside of buildings or at signposts. Both variations work with color, type and shape to integrate the corporate design of FUAS into the map’s appearance while aiming for a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing map design. In a user test evaluation that followed, the designs were largely considered to be well-made.
The aftermath
Die Bachelor-Thesis wie auch die Lageplan-Entwürfe erfuhren sehr positives Feedback. Mit großem Stolz durfte ich meine Arbeit auf dem Rundgang 2023 präsentieren, einer Jahresausstellung der Hochschule Flensburg (siehe Foto). Nach der Einarbeitung verbleibender Korrekturen und Verbesserungen habe ich im Frühjahr 2024 der Hochschule den finalen Entwurf zur Nutzung zur Verfügung gestellt.
Both my Bachelor’s thesis and the campus map designs were met with very positive feedback. I was very to present my work at “Rundgang 2023”, an annual exhibition at FUAS (see picture above). After incorporating remaining corrections and improvements, I submitted the final draft to the university for use in early 2024.
