BACKBREAKING WORK
The BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign is a significant project aimed at overhauling public transport in Dublin to create a more efficient, streamlined, and user-friendly bus service. With a focus on improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and enhancing the passenger experience, this initiative is set to reshape the city’s bus network for the better. However, upon the rollout of the plans, it became clear that the accompanying maps and proposals caused confusion among the public, making it difficult for many to fully understand the changes.
Recognising this gap, I took the initiative to design my own transport maps that would provide a clearer, more accessible view of the proposed network. The goal was to simplify the complex information and help users better understand the connections between routes and the overall system. My designs not only aimed to improve comprehension but also to offer an intuitive approach to navigating the city’s bus network.
The response to my maps was overwhelmingly positive. They gained widespread media attention and were praised for their clarity, simplicity, and user-friendliness. Notably, transport planner and designer of the Network Redesign, Jarrett Walker commended the maps for their effectiveness in conveying complex information in an easily digestible format. Many users also expressed the view that my maps should have been the standard from the beginning, as they felt far more intuitive than the official BusConnects designs.
It’s important to note that the BusConnects maps and my own designs serve different purposes. While the official maps provide detailed information about specific bus routes and the streets they cover, my maps are designed to offer a broader overview of the entire network. By showing how the different routes connect and how the system fits into the city, my designs help users get a clearer sense of how to navigate Dublin’s public transport system as a whole, ensuring a smoother, more confident journey.
As time has progressed, I have also ventured into creating a comprehensive network map that encompasses the entire bus, rail, and tram system in Dublin—something that has not been achieved in many decades. The ambition behind this project was to provide a unified visual representation of all modes of public transport, offering a complete overview of the city's transport network.
However, the scale of this undertaking has proven to be a challenge, particularly given the complexity of integrating multiple systems into a cohesive map. Additionally, the personal nature of this project, coupled with the lack of external feedback or input, has led to delays in its completion. While the work remains unfinished, the process has been incredibly rewarding.
