A Modern Traffic Light Designed for People and Robots
The traditional traffic light, a century-old design, is an iconic symbol for controlling road traffic. However, the evolving transportation landscape, including autonomous vehicles, demands an innovative approach to traffic signage.
Russian industrial designer Evgeny Arinin has presented a concept that challenges conventional traffic signals by combining information from multiple signs into one intuitive signal. This concept addresses the need for more precise and more concise communication on the road.
Modernizing Traffic Communication
Arinin’s design, though currently a concept and a finalist in the Lexus Design Awards, is a promising alternative. It aims to overcome the limitations of the existing system and, in the era of autonomous vehicles, simplify the interpretation of traffic instructions.
Streamlined Signage
The critical innovation in Arinin’s concept is integrating information, typically found on several signs, into a single, easily understood signal. Each character is designed to mimic the shape of the intersection it represents.
For example, a four-way junction is denoted by a cross-shaped sign. Clear visual cues like a green arrow curving right and a bold red block pointing upward indicate that a right turn is allowed, but going straight is prohibited.
Enhanced Legibility
A critical factor in adopting a new traffic light design is its legibility. It must meet or exceed existing standards for visual acuity, enabling drivers to read and understand the sign from a distance. Arinin’s concept incorporates numerical countdown times and red Xs to indicate restricted actions.
Considerations for Autonomous Vehicles
As the era of autonomous vehicles unfolds, they must effectively interpret traffic signs. This can be achieved through vehicle-mounted cameras or sensor-equipped traffic lights.
More significant, easily distinguishable visuals, such as those proposed by Arinin, may offer a more reliable solution, primarily when the sun’s position and other variables affect camera-based recognition.
Challenges and Next Steps
Arinin’s concept has significant potential, but its journey from a design concept to practical implementation involves multiple phases.
This includes pilot programs in local municipalities, adherence to regulatory standards, and engagement with various levels of government to advocate for widespread adoption. To supplant a century-old system, the new design must prove its effectiveness convincingly.
In a world where transportation is rapidly evolving, innovative solutions in traffic signage are essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of road networks.
Read the original article on Wired.
Read more: 2023 Industrial Design Trends to Watch.
