Times Square, Fish Bones & Wayfinding Woes: Signage Lessons from NYC w/Reena MegaWatts
- Author
- Lilly Studios
- Published
- Wed 09 Jul 2025
- Episode Link
- https://megawattsproductions.com/
In this episode of Sign Criteria | Branding for the Built Environment, Reena and John explore the overwhelming, electrifying world of New York City signage—from pulsing Coca-Cola billboards to quirky corner shops and subway confusion.
Reena shares highlights from her recent overnight trip to NYC, where the signs of Times Square left a strong impression. John breaks down the tech behind dynamic LED displays and explains how robotic arms give static signage a living, breathing feel. The duo then contrasts high-budget brand displays with tiny mom-and-pop stores squeezed into closet-sized spaces—and ponders how any of them survive Times Square rent.
They dig into the true role of signage in chaotic environments: wayfinding. Why do some airports or cities still fail to guide people clearly, even with signs everywhere? And what can designers do better?
The episode wraps with a look at architectural landmarks like the Oculus and the memorial near Ground Zero, examining how form, emotion, and environment all shape the experience of public spaces.
Highlights include:
_ _
Sign Criteria is hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit SignCriteria.com
Reena shares highlights from her recent overnight trip to NYC, where the signs of Times Square left a strong impression. John breaks down the tech behind dynamic LED displays and explains how robotic arms give static signage a living, breathing feel. The duo then contrasts high-budget brand displays with tiny mom-and-pop stores squeezed into closet-sized spaces—and ponders how any of them survive Times Square rent.
They dig into the true role of signage in chaotic environments: wayfinding. Why do some airports or cities still fail to guide people clearly, even with signs everywhere? And what can designers do better?
The episode wraps with a look at architectural landmarks like the Oculus and the memorial near Ground Zero, examining how form, emotion, and environment all shape the experience of public spaces.
Highlights include:
- The science and spectacle of animated LED billboards
- Street-level contrasts between major brands and micro-shops
- Signage as orientation: lessons from airports and city centers
- Why bad signage frustrates even signage professionals
- Architectural inspiration from NYC’s Oculus and 9/11 Memorial
_ _
Sign Criteria is hosted by John Lilly and Reena Friedman-Watts. For guest or sponsorship inquiries visit SignCriteria.com
