Dwell: In addition to spatial distances, you've also depicted walking times. Is that standard practice? Bierut: One of the many goals of the system is to encourage people to walk more. It's healthier, it's better for the environment, and it's good for business. Using walking times isn't standard, but I think it shows people, particularly New Yorkers, that sometimes destinations are closer than they think they are. Walking can be faster than a bus or subway, or—especially in New York traffic—a taxi or a car. Photo 7 of 9 in How New York City Developed its Wayfinding Signage by Diana Budds

How New York City Developed its Wayfinding Signage

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Dwell: In addition to spatial distances, you've also depicted walking times. Is that standard practice?

Bierut: One of the many goals of the system is to encourage people to walk more. It's healthier, it's better for the environment, and it's good for business. Using walking times isn't standard, but I think it shows people, particularly New Yorkers, that sometimes destinations are closer than they think they are. Walking can be faster than a bus or subway, or—especially in New York traffic—a taxi or a car.