Since undertaking an MA in Communication Design at Central Saint Martins, the visual language of maps has become a strong focus in my work. Over the course of my study I developed a mapping method centred around routes and measurement rather than geographic positioning. In this model the relationship between a map-symbol and its placement refers to both is kilometre position along the measured route as well as its orientation toward the body. For example, in physical world a forest or a landmark might appear after five kilometres and on the left. On the map that forest or landmark will then be marked at the five-kilometre line and on the left-hand side of the map. As a final MA project two pilot maps were produced – a South Leinster Way map, a linear path and a Thames loop walk, a circular route. (Please see the work section for further details.) During 2012 it is my intention to produce at least one more pilot map building upon the previous two.

I am currently undertaking a practice-based PhD at Central Saint Martins in London, investigating the user-interface design of mobile wayfinding apps aimed at walkers. It is intended that the design would support spontaneous and serendipitous experience as opposed to geographical route display and site-marking. From this the implications for information design theory will be considered, with emphasis on how movement – both human and screen-based – affects understanding and interpretation of the design.

My major area of focus traces the interconnections between design and spatiality – considering how design supports and enables movement through such tools as maps, signage and other markers. Of particular interest are the design practices associated with walking routes and transportation networks, taking the view that the social and geographic implications of such outputs should be assessed and highlighted.

Under the bridge

‘Light follows rivers/ I do too’. The lines are extracted from American beat writer Jack Kerouac’s ‘San Francisco Blues.’ I read that poem, or at least long sections of it, in 2006 and found its themes of travel and life and experience resonant.

A hiking map, charting the South Leinster Way, an Irish walking route extending from Kildavin in Co.Carlow to Carrick on Suir in Co. Tipperary. The map is presented as one long linear strip, marked through kilometre sections measuring 2cm. Symbols are positioned as they’re encountered – on the left on the right, a river is crossed or followed. North’s orientation in relation to the path is offered at each kilometre section. Thus the path is represented as a process.

1200mm x 100mm

A circular map, depicting a loop walk around the Thames from Westminster to Tower Bridge and back. The circular form reinforces the concept of return. Bridges are shown to link across the river. Guiding landmarks appear in black on the same bank and as yellow ghost impressions on the opposite bank.

500mm x 500mm

This booklet was produced with the brilliant Clare Bell for IMRAM – an Irish language poetry festival. Set in Seria, it was an attempt to present Irish language typography both carefully and confidently, allowing the text to gain full impact.

210mm x 112mm

I was asked to produce a series of maps for the ATypI 2010 conference in Dublin. It was an enjoyable exercise. The main world map – showing speaker’s countries of origin – was composed of a multitude of tiny alpha-glyphs representing among other things: culture, language, climate, topography.

A series of concept maps, with each isolating a particular subject. The first is a map of London’s junctions. The second is of Britain’s motorway network. The third is of London’s parks. With the final one listing Ireland’s islands by county in their relative position.

A1

A small booklet telling the story of quarry site in Arklow Co.Wicklow. Through a compositon of watercolour illustrations, each double page spread presents a separate theme connecting the site with the locality in both contemporary and historical terms.

180mm x 150mm

I was commissioned by the hard working girls at Nectar & Pulse to produce a map for their first travel guide publication focusing on the city of Stockholm. Reflecting material packaging, a cardboard background was used to depict land. In keeping with the girl’s vision of playfulness and spontaneity, random images layer over the city.

A3