The Disneyland Park map is of one of the first “maps” I was exposed to and actually had to use. I love this map because it will probably be some of the few remaining maps that still need to get printed. I love using maps like this to navigate around theme parks and as a visual learner, it was pretty easy for me to figure out as a kid. Corner would probably categorize this map as more of a “tracing” than a “map” but I still think it has value. There was nothing more satisfying than being to tell your parents where to go and be correct.
Design Principles Used:
Entry Point is used in this map of Disneyland by drawing your attention to the walkway that converges and meets at the center of the map. A bright red sign that reads “Main Street USA” also draws your attention to that part of the map. Entry Points are important for these types of maps because it allows visitors to get oriented with the park and helps with navigation of the park.
Iconic Representation is the use of pictures to help with recognition and recall. It is used in this map to help visitors locate rides, restrooms and restaurants faster than if it were to be written out. Similar Icons, Example Icons, Symbolic Icons and Arbitrary Icons are all used in this map and serves as both space efficient alternative as well as a means to draw attention to a specific part of the map.
Color is used in this map to group elements and enhance aesthetics. The map uses colors to separated out different parts of the park and to help organize the information for that specific area. The key is color coded to match back to the region of the map it is referencing.
Wayfinding is used in the design of the Disneyland map because it uses environmental navigation (like landmarks) to help visitors navigate through the park. I added this extra principle because I think it is a important one for maps in general. Wayfinding helps with orientation, route decision, route monitoring and destination recognition by featuring recognizable landmarks.
References:
Corner, James. “The Agency of Mapping: Speculation, Critique and Invention.” The Map Reader, 2011, pp. 89–101.
Lidwell, William, et al. Universal Principles of Design. Rockport, 2010.
Disneyland Map Here