Why is Beck's Underground Map so iconic?

Hi fellow designers,

I'm currently studying Harry Beck's underground map at Uni, and I'm just interested in your opinions. What is it about Beck's map that makes it so iconic? And what specific aspects of his design are the most memorable to you?


(if you reply just bear in mind I may use some of these answers in my research)



Ellie

It's a perfect example of how graphic design should solve a problem. It makes the massively complicated infrastructure of the underground understandable at a glance.

Sounds like an assignment. You really should research this better than asking a forum.

It's one of the most iconic info-graphics ever made.
Simple (as it could be) and actually quite beautiful in a design sense.
He took something with very little, understandable structure and turned it into something linear and combined with his use of colour, made it into something that most men or women on the street could understand.

I do get why you're asking but honestly though, you'd be a lot better trying to work out and understand why yourself rather than by asking or Googling.
You'll learn much more that way.

Thanks for your replies.

I think you misunderstood my intentions though, or maybe it was how I worded the question.

I have already spent numerous hours understanding the points behind the map's success and have currently written 5,000 words plus on the subject. I was just wanting to ask around as many professionals/aspiring designers their thoughts on the design, in the hope that it might open up some new insights. And if not, I find it a fascinating subject to discuss anyway.

Oh, well.....That's fair enough.

Don't know if I could write 5,ooo words about it.
I dis manage four lines though.

Respect!

scotty said:

Oh, well.....That's fair enough.

Don't know if I could write 5,ooo words about it.
I dis manage four lines though.

Respect!

Click to expand...

To be fair I haven't read it all back through yet, I have probably repeated myself multiple times

Thanks for the four lines; they are a good four lines.

"Jubilee Line"

There we go...That's five now.