Designing an experience: maps and signage at the archaeological site of ancient troy

Abstract

Maps and signage are essential for visitors to understand and appreciate the cultural, historical, and natural importance of a heritage site. Unfortunately, the on-site maps and signage at the archaeological site of ancient Troy near Çanakkale, Turkey, create a poor visitor experience. A UNESCO report found that the site suffered from “poor and confusing way-finding” and “visual clutter and chaos” (Riorden 2009, 9–10). To understand how the maps and signage failed to help visitors, I completed a content analysis of the maps and signage found at Troy in the summer of 2014, based on recom-mendations from cartographic semiotics and the field of experiential graphic design. The analysis uses a case study of the archaeological site of Ancient Troy to derive insights into user experience design at preserved sites of cultural or historical significance.