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New Signs To Help Get You Around Boston

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Nov 20, 2009 9:39 am US/Eastern

New Signs To Help Get You Around Boston

Reporting
Karen Anderson
BOSTON (WBZ) ― We all know getting around Boston isn't easy.

Whether it's the confusing signs, a one way street, and lack of a grid system, it's tough to navigate.

It's especially tough if you're not familiar with the area, and are searching for the cities cultural and historical treasures.

But instead of turning to the government to help, now some MIT researchers are working with neighborhoods as part of a project called "Lost in Boston." The idea is for neighborhoods to design signs to direct people to gems in their area, but to put these signs on private property so they don't have to deal with the bureaucratic red tape of the city.

Rick Borovoy, a researcher at MIT's Center for Future Civic Media came to Boston 15 years ago, "And news flash, it wasn't the most user friendly place." He says he didn't like that people accepted that part of the city's charm is that it's tough to get around.

Borovoy teamed up with the Mass College of Art to create the first Lost in Boston sign in front of the college at 621 Huntington Ave.

It's designed by Mass College of Art student Bridget Alexander, and directs people in simple, clear language to museums in the area.

"We use English and city geographical terms to point out where the Gardner Museum is. If you were a person, you'd say make a left and go one block, and make a right and go one block and the sign is filling in that void," said Alexander.

Borovoy says what makes this project different and effective is the signs are on private land in public places. The Huntington Ave sign is right near the public sidewalk.

"Six inches away, but a whole different process of getting it done," said Borovoy.

The signs are not high tech. Instead, they are using the technology to connect neighborhoods online to share resources and ideas, so there will be more signs around the city.

Do you have trouble getting around the city? Comment here on our DYC blog.

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