mapmaking patterns

People interact with maps. The map will always exist as an object in the real world. It is really quite frustrating if the form of a map doesn’t help people use it.

Identify what people will be doing and where they will be doing these things while they are using your map. Design your map to facilitate these actions in these environments. If you’re making a poster for a conference, consider that the room may be poorly lit, your audience will be standing up and, more than likely, they’ve finished their free drink that enticed them to come to your poster session in the first place. If you’re making a walking guide, consider that your audience will be outside, it may be day or night, it may be raining or the sun may be blazing, and your audience will be referring to your map while moving.

maps are for people