Our study of Downtown traffic flow showed that visitors of all abilities have multiple transportation options—public transit, bikeshare, e-scooters, or nearby parking—to meet their specific needs. However, the city center faced a challenge with its outdated signage system, installed in 2003.
Early in the process, we collaborated with Downtown stakeholders, neighborhood leaders, Riverwalk trail and greenway leadership, representatives from the native sovereign nation, and Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC). This engagement allowed us to gather insights, validate destinations and key assets, and establish design goals for wayfinding. From this input, we developed a strategic set of recommendations to guide the design of an updated signage system.
Our team created a new messaging and naming hierarchy to simplify navigation for first-time visitors, highlighting key landmarks like the Grand River, Calder Plaza, and Rosa Park Circle to support orientation. We enhanced connectivity to public transit and enclosed walkways, such as the Downtown Sky Walk, using identity signage and “heads-up” orientation maps that are clearly visible from pedestrian pathways and parking.
Inspired by the Grand River—an enduring link between the land’s earliest inhabitants and today’s community—the design incorporates blue dimensional wave panels that evoke the river’s historical rapids. This artistic element enriches the signage system, harmonizing with the sculpture-filled Downtown landscape.
Our team created a new messaging and naming hierarchy to simplify navigation for first-time visitors, highlighting key landmarks like the Grand River, Calder Plaza, and Rosa Park Circle to support orientation. We enhanced connectivity to public transit and enclosed walkways, such as the Downtown Sky Walk, using identity signage and “heads-up” orientation maps that are clearly visible from pedestrian pathways and parking.
Inspired by the Grand River—an enduring link between the land’s earliest inhabitants and today’s community—the design incorporates blue dimensional wave panels that evoke the river’s historical rapids. This artistic element enriches the signage system, harmonizing with the sculpture-filled Downtown landscape.
