The MTA might annoy you with their fare hikes, constant track work, and lack of a reliable schedule. But when it comes to graphic design, they usually come through — most famously, of course, in Massimo Vignelli’s comprehensive design of the system’s signage, which turned it into a standardized Helvetica design dreamscape back in the 70s. However, the Metropolitan Transit Authority continues its legacy today with solid advertisements, apps, and public service announcements.
Their latest campaign turns out to be one of their more controversial. “Courtesy Counts, Manners Make a Better Ride” is a series of PSA’s that address some of the most annoying things that people do on the train. The first series included eating, wearing backpacks, and taking up to much seated room with legs.
The second series warns against performing, grooming, and having bags all over the place. These actions — except, perhaps, for performing — have been the bane of internet commenters’ existence for quite some time. It is nice to see the MTA stepping up. The design of these posters features a family of graphic design dummies behaving badly amid warnings such as “poles are for your safety, not your latest routine.” Just look at those little simplified people doing all the things you love to hate most.
If these posters aren’t your thing, it so happens that former Vignelli Associates Beatriz Cifuentes and Yoshiki Waterhouse have just released new editions of the late master’s simplified 1972 design for the subway map. Discontinued in favor of the more geographically accurate design we know today, the controversial map is more like that of London or Chicago, with its 45° angles and relative lack of surface features. It was remade in 2008 and is used on the Weekender app. In addition to the autographed posters, Cifuentes and Waterhouse have also launched a set of detail diagrams; all of these official products are available here.
