The true importance of signage and wayfinding systems only becomes evident when they do not work. This book presents the unsung heroes of functional graphic design.

Left, Right, Up, Down presents current approaches to design that provide orientation in and around buildings. The book provides myriad examples that combine graphic design and architecture so well that the result elegantly meets the specific navigational needs of the situation. The range of attractive, experimental, low-budget, and flexible solutions make it an inspirational and insightful examination of current possibilities for practical applied information graphics.

When trying to get through masses of people quickly at a train station or airport to catch a connection, when looking for the right hospital ward in an emergency, or when simply navigating through large, unfamiliar buildings such as museums, convention centers, or parking garages, one urgently needs orientation. In such situations, signage systems help us find our way effectively in spite of stress, crowds, or circuitousness.

Apart from editing and designing the book, TwoPoints.Net did an interview with Paula Scher (Pentagram, New York).