In this episode of
Sign Criteria | Branding for the Built Environment,
Reena and
John explore the overwhelming, electrifying world of
New York City signage—from pulsing Coca-Cola billboards to quirky corner shops and subway confusion.
Reena shares highlights from her recent overnight trip to NYC, where the signs of
Times Square left a strong impression. John breaks down the tech behind dynamic
LED displays and explains how robotic arms give static signage a living, breathing feel. The duo then contrasts high-budget brand displays with tiny mom-and-pop stores squeezed into closet-sized spaces—and ponders how any of them survive Times Square rent.
They dig into the
true role of signage in chaotic environments:
wayfinding. Why do some airports or cities still fail to guide people clearly, even with signs everywhere? And what can designers do better?
The episode wraps with a look at
architectural landmarks like the
Oculus and the memorial near
Ground Zero, examining how form, emotion, and environment all shape the experience of public spaces.
Highlights include:- The science and spectacle of animated LED billboards
- Street-level contrasts between major brands and micro-shops
- Signage as orientation: lessons from airports and city centers
- Why bad signage frustrates even signage professionals
- Architectural inspiration from NYC’s Oculus and 9/11 Memorial
Whether you’re a sign designer, urban explorer, or simply love walking through big cities, this episode uncovers how signage and space combine to tell powerful stories.
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Sign Criteria is hosted by
John Lilly and
Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit
SignCriteria.com
