An event titled “History, City and Experience in Wayfinding Design” was organized by the Visual Communication Design Department of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Communication. Associate Professor Dr. Tuğcan Güler, a faculty member of Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphic Design Department, attended as a guest. The workshop held within the scope of the event focused on designing new wayfinding systems for existing and used spaces and emphasized the importance of wayfinding systems on highways, aiming to provide students with a new perspective in the field of design.
The event, moderated by Dr. Lect. Dicle Yıldırım of the Visual Communication Design Department, was held at Üsküdar Üniversitesi South Campus Duha Beker conference hall.
Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Süleyman İrvan, Head of Visual Communication Design Department Prof. Dr. And Algül, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cem Tutar, Lect. Şerife Seda Bozpolat, Lect. Özge Kaya, and Res. Assist. Baran Kahraman attended the event.
Prof. Dr. And Algül, who delivered the opening speech of the event, spoke about the academic life and projects of the guest, Assoc. Dr. Tuğcan Güler.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güler: “Wayfinding design varies depending on its location”
Güler, comparing environmental graphic design and graphic design, said: “What we call a graphic designer is essentially a largely deciphered field. For example, if you're designing a magazine, its size is more or less known, the font you'll use is known, and the heading sizes are known. So, someone starting magazine design doesn't feel like they're starting anew, but this isn't the case with wayfinding design. Because wayfinding design varies depending on its location. Each project has its own characteristics. It's more long-term. Every product is unique and lasts for many years. Preliminary preparations related to manufacturing are required. It can incur high costs and demands quality control.”
“Selfies, which many people disdain, have now become a communication tool”
Güler mentioned that wayfinding design and environmental graphics are also used to create a sense of belonging. Güler stated: “Small changes you make in a space instantly become its symbol and turn into a selfie spot. Today, selfies are used by many companies as a serious advertising tool. Selfies, which many people disdain, have actually become a communication tool today. With such small, very low-cost, easy-to-implement designs, a public space can very easily advertise itself.”
Adding a sense of belonging to living spaces through design…
In the workshop held after the event, visual communication design students conducted fieldwork within the university, selecting and photographing places to be designed to add a sense of belonging for living spaces where people can sit, work, and spend time. Based on these selections, students created designs.
The event concluded with certificate presentations and a group photo session.