Nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, Central Park stands as a stunning human-made oasis amid the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest cities. It is the most visited urban park in the United States.
Applied created a visitor map for the Central Park Conservancy that was designed to assist users with mobility impairments. The map highlights park facilities and enables visitors of all abilities to plan and enjoy their visits to the iconic landmark.
Accessibility information is seamlessly integrated with other map details to ensure it is clear for those who need it, without overwhelming the design. Varying degrees of slope within the park are also carefully depicted. To address accessibility requirements, the map underwent several iterations, refining colours, contrasts, pathway line widths, type sizes, and landmark illustrations.
The printed map is freely available to the public. A downloadable digital PDF is available from the Conservancy website.
42 million
visitors to Central Park each year
843
acre park
91 metres /300 ft
of elevation gain in the Central Park loop
58 miles
of pedestrian paths
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The access map displays park pathways according to steepness of slope so that visitors may plan their visit according to their mobility needs.
Map folds were designed to be used easily with one hand, accounting for a variety of physical limitations of users.
When designing a map that meets the needs of all visitors, it was important to make the map clear and details visible.
Therefore, the map underwent several rounds of iteration in terms of colours, contract, line width for pathways, type sizes, landmark illustration, and more.
During design development, the map designs underwent colour testing using simulation software to ensure content was legible for all colour vision deficiencies.
Applied created a set of wayfinding icons for the map, to help easily identify useful features within the park.
Recognisable illustrations of significant landmarks also allow users to quickly identify locations and plan their route, whilst taking into account their mobility capabilities.
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Applied borrowed concepts from ski slope mapping and used them to create an inclusive design that assists visitors, both with and without disabilities. All while making the information simple and easy to read.
The map underwent two rounds of user testing by volunteers with a variety of vision and mobility impairments. This was facilitated in partnership with Applied and the Central Park Conservancy.
Users were given maps and instructions to test both independently and with representatives from the Conservancy. Feedback was documented and incorporated into map iterations.
In July 2018 the final map was released to the public, with an initial 10,000 free printed copies being made available. The map is also available for download on the Central Park Conservancy website.
