GUERRILLA WAYFINDER: 23-year-old Vareck Ng designs signs to help Singapore's commuters

Key Concepts

• Guerrilla Wayfinding: The practice of creating and installing unofficial signage to improve navigation in public spaces.
• Transit Map Design: Principles of effective visual communication for public transportation routes.
• User-Centered Design: Focusing on how people actually navigate, rather than theoretical routes.
• Civic Engagement: Taking personal initiative to improve the community.
• Vandalism vs. Public Service: The ethical considerations of unsanctioned improvements to public infrastructure.

Improving Navigation: The Story of a Singaporean “Guerrilla Wayfinder”

This report details the efforts of a Singaporean individual, known as Veric, who has been independently creating and installing wayfinding signage throughout the city-state to address perceived gaps in the official public transport system. Despite Singapore’s reputation for efficient public transport, Veric identified areas where navigation was confusing or inadequate, particularly for bus routes.

The Genesis of a Project: NTU and Missed Buses

Veric’s initiative began during his time as a student at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). He experienced firsthand the frustration of missing buses due to a lack of clear signage at bus stops. Specifically, he noted the absence of bus route information at certain stops, leading to missed connections, especially during late hours. This personal experience motivated him to “take matters into his own hands” and create his own signage. His initial signs for NTU’s NI block 2 were designed to display the entire route, alongside transfer icons, providing a more comprehensive overview than existing signage.

Expanding Beyond Campus: Public Spaces and Stealth Operations

Following his success at NTU, Veric expanded his project to public spaces, completing at least 10 projects in areas like Marine Parade and Ponggol. He operates discreetly, often working under the cover of darkness to avoid detection and potential legal repercussions. He acknowledges the risk of being charged with vandalism but justifies his actions based on his belief in serving the public good. He describes waking up as early as 4:30 or 5 AM to install signs before the first buses begin running. He frames his actions as a moral imperative, stating, “if it’s to serve the public better, then I would just do them.”

Design Philosophy: Learning from Existing Systems and User Experience

Veric is a trained percussionist with no formal background in graphic design. His design approach is rooted in observation and analysis of existing transit maps. He initially attempted to replicate the single-line route displays common at bus stops but realized this was inaccurate for circular bus routes. He then drew inspiration from the circular line maps used on Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) trains. He emphasizes the importance of seamless design, stating that “What makes a good design is if we don't have to think about it, if it's seamless and we just go about our day and it feels effortless to do things.” This highlights a user-centered design philosophy, prioritizing intuitive understanding over complex information.

From Complaint to Action: Empowering Civic Engagement

Prior to becoming a “guerrilla wayfinder,” Veric admits to previously voicing his concerns about poor signage online. However, he experienced a shift in perspective, realizing his capacity to effect change directly within his community. He hopes his actions will inspire others to take similar initiatives, embodying the sentiment, “I can be the change I want to see.”

Top-Down Planning vs. Ground-Up Initiatives

The report positions Veric’s work as a counterpoint to Singapore’s largely top-down urban planning approach. His small-scale, ground-up initiatives represent a different model for improving public spaces, relying on individual initiative and a deep understanding of commuter needs. He is essentially “quietly guid[ing] commuters” through his independent efforts.

Conclusion

Veric’s story illustrates the power of individual initiative in addressing perceived shortcomings in public infrastructure. His “guerrilla wayfinding” project, driven by personal experience and a commitment to public service, highlights the importance of user-centered design and the potential for bottom-up solutions to complement top-down planning. His work raises questions about the balance between maintaining order and fostering civic engagement, and the ethical considerations of unsanctioned improvements to public spaces.