Passenger Assistance (Japan)

Background

Passenger Assistance asked me to design a poster for a Japan Rail project. The poster would promote awareness of proper train etiquette including how to ensure accessibility and barrier-free travel for Disabled people. Given the importance of etiquette posters in Japan’s public spaces, the aim was to ensure that the design would seamlessly blend with the visual language of existing Japanese posters and adverts.

Research and Inspiration

I conducted in-depth research on existing Japanese etiquette posters, focusing on their design elements, tone, and messaging.

In short, there was a clear preference for simple and clean illustration styles. Colour palettes varied between either vibrant and bold (often just black and white with a single bright colour to catch the eye) or muted colours for more sensitive subject matters and a calmer aesthetic.

Execution

After reviewing all of the information found, I opted to go with a simple, clean illustration style in soft pastel colours so as to be sympathetic to the subject matter.

As the focus of this poster was barrier-free travel for all, it was important to ensure it was as accessible as possible and so text was large, clear and easy to read.

Impact

The poster was well received by Passenger Assistance, aligning with their mission to foster a more inclusive and respectful travel experience.

This project was a unique opportunity to merge thoughtful, accessible design with cultural and social responsibility. Through a combination of research and strategic design choices, the final poster successfully delivers an important message in a format that is both visually appealing and accessible.