"Not all those who wander are lost" is definitely one of my favorite quotes. But in 2009, when I was tasked with redesigning the Milan Metro signage system, I had to forget it. My job was to give people the tools that make all the difference between being on time and late. It was my first big job – and my first big love. I was lucky to get to work with Bob Noorda and his team on the signage restyling for the Milan Metro. Attention, precision and thoroughness, from the station entrances to the hanging of the signs. Milan is built on the clock, built on design, and built (literally) on the Metro - and wayfinding signage is what helps the Milanese find their way to build the future.

Garibaldi Station was the first to enjoy the makeover. Platform for Cologno Nord - Gessate, 2009

Metropolitana di Milano Graphic Standards Manual. Images depict the creation and development of synoptic signs for M1, M2 and M3 lines. Property of ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi).

Metropolitana di Milano Graphic Standards Manual. Tables show the creation of signals and directional information sign families.

Extracts from the Signage Planning Manual of Central Station FS M1 M2.

Study of entrance and exit flows for Milano Centrale FS M2 M3 station.

Side view of access to platforms in Garibaldi FS M2 station.

Directional, prohibitory, mandatory and emergency signs as well as symbols for local, suburban and regional transport.

Examples of rules for how to create directional information sign families.

Platform, Rho Fiera, Loreto M1 M2 station.

Horizontal subway map of the M1 line, displayed above the subway car doors.

Vertical subway map of the M1 line.

Sign depicting a number of mandatory and prohibitory signs related to use of the station escalators.

Examples of information screens displayed on the trains to communicate the connections and features of each stop.