A recent study by the Association of Toddler Designers (ATD) has found that CTA signs designed by toddlers are nearly 50% more effective at guiding commuters than the current ones. The study’s goal was to evaluate if the current CTA signs were the most effective way of conveying information to commuters, and according to the results, the answer is no.
The ATD recruited a team of toddlers aged between two and four years old to redesign the CTA signs. The toddlers were given colorful markers, crayons, and paper and were left to their own devices to create their versions of the signs.
The resulting designs were nothing short of amazing. Each sign had bright colors, bold lettering, and whimsical shapes that were easily recognizable. Even better, the signs were easy to read and understand, using simple language and straightforward directions.
One of the most impressive designs was the new “Exit” sign. Instead of the typical green sign with white lettering, the toddlers’ version featured a smiling sun and a rainbow, with the word “Exit” written in large, bold letters. The sign’s creator, three-year-old Lily, explained that she chose the sun and rainbow because “we want people to feel happy when they see it and know they’re going in the right direction.”
Another standout design was the “No Smoking” sign, which was reimagined as a friendly dragon blowing out smoke with a big red “X” over it. This new design is not only whimsical and fun, but it’s also more effective than the current “No Smoking” sign, which features a generic cigarette with a red circle and slash.
But the real question is, why are toddlers so good at designing CTA signs? According to Dr. Jane Smith, a child psychologist who consulted on the study, toddlers have an innate ability to simplify complex information. “Toddlers haven’t been exposed to the nuances of language, so they’re more likely to take things at face value and create designs that are easy to understand. Plus, their love of bright colors, fun shapes, and playful imagery make their designs more engaging.”
The CTA is planning to implement the new designs, starting with the “Exit” and “No Smoking” signs. Commuters can expect to see the new signs rolling out over the next few weeks, with more redesigned signs on the horizon.
Overall, the ATD study is proof that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. Who knew that all it would take to improve the CTA signage was a few toddlers armed with markers and a sense of whimsy?
