Fresh From The Field: Cycle Wayfinding – By Maynard

Fresh from the field

Fresh From The Field: Cycle Wayfinding – By Maynard

3 weeks ago by Iris Kalff

Designed to make cycling simpler, safer, and more intuitive, Maynard’s latest wayfinding system for Auckland Transport helps connect people with the city.

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The brief

As transport priorities evolve to meet climate challenges, all while promoting the development of healthy cities and lifestyles, Auckland Transport intends to steer more people around Tāmaki Makaurau on two wheels.

Significant cycle infrastructure has been implemented over the years, but a considered approach to customer-centric wayfinding is the consistent glue that binds an expansive network together – a tool for awareness, journey validation, and safety.

Through stakeholder workshops, user testing, and international research, Maynard has designed a full cycling toolkit that encourages riders of all ages and abilities to explore the city with confidence and clarity.

The design response

With the intention of building trust and shaping a long-term behavioural shift, the design solution was developed iteratively – starting with empathy interviews and on-path observations. Each element in the toolkit plays a number of roles, simultaneously sparking curiosity and inviting exploration while simplifying navigation and supporting safe travel.

Wayfinding and signage prioritise visibility within a rider’s cone of vision. Using the principles of information hierarchy, the aids deliver succinct content at pace. Destinations prioritise major landmarks, shifting from car-centric streetscapes to a bolstered enjoyment for cyclists getting around their city. Instantly recognisable route identities are a key feature for hero rides – such as the City Centre Loop – where a clear design language connects beacons, signage, and ground markings into a single cohesive experience.

An extensive suite of maps encourage experience-led journeys, with illustrated destinations that celebrate the unique makeup of Tāmaki Makaurau. In particular, the system celebrates Te Reo Māori; wayfinding touchpoints elevate indigenous placenames and introduce opportunities for people to learn the language as they ride.

In a holistic system, integrated with other elements of Maynard’s work across the city – like modular bike parking – cycling is fast becoming more than a mode of transport and instead an exciting way to explore, connect, and experience our neighbourhoods.

The design team

Guy Hohmann – Director
Emme Jacob – Associate
Joel Beachman – Senior Wayfinding Designer
Sam van der Weerden – Senior Wayfinding Designer
Jordan Henderson – Senior Industrial Designer
Deanna Griffin – Industrial Designer
Giulia Harper – Industrial Designer
Hannah Tilsley – Junior Industrial Designer
Sophie Harkness – Designer
Sophia Martins-Irvine – Industrial Designer

Website
Instagram: @maynarddesign
LinkedIn: Maynard Design Consultancy