September 4, 2008, 3:16 pm
Visual Storytelling in the Great White North
By Tim Roy
Having just returned from a two week car trip in Canada, I wanted to post my observations that information design challenges seem to be just about everywhere. My time in Montreal created some interesting experiences with regard to the balance between French and English signage (especially exciting while on a six lane congested highway trying to decide if this is the right exit).
Leaving the city and moving into the Province of Ontario saw a reversal of the same — English signs became dominant with a secondary nod towards French. Finally, arriving at the obligatory visit to Niagara Falls, it became clear that even here, presenters of information struggle with the fundamental principles of communication. In this case, the info-graphics seem to do a reasonable job of telling the story, but they certainly do not convey a message of “unusual.”
