Digital Subway Map

MTA Live Subway Map

The goal of the MTA Live Subway Map was to design a new digital subway map for New York City that updates in real time and helps five million daily riders navigate public transit with ease and accuracy. The designs are based on the iconic 1970s designs by Unimark International and Michael Hertz Associates, which have been revised and enhanced. For example, the new map combines the geometric and colour clarity of Massimo Vignelli’s diagram with Hertz’s geographic, organic curves, but now supported by technology. The map automatically redraws routes 24 hours a day to visualise changes in service. It also shows moving trains and allows users to zoom in on information about stations, including barrier-free stops, and filter by the most used train line. The purposefully web-based app works on any device, with no download required. In response to COVID-19, there also is a vaccination point locator to help users find over 600 vaccination points.

Statement by the Jury

The MTA Live Subway Map is a fantastic example of an excellent, intuitively designed user interface. With a focus on high functionality and easy-to-understand operation, the map represents a technically excellent approach for embedding a multitude of settings in a clear, contemporary appearance for smartphone, tablet or desktop. The familiar classic look is thus given a forward-looking and worthy reverence.

Red Dot: Best of the Best

Credits

Client:

MTA – Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, USA
Design:

Work & Co, Brooklyn, USA MTA – Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, USA