Designing a visitor map for Louisville, Kentucky’s Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) involves a strategic and thoughtful approach that benefits various stakeholders including local retail, tourism, wayfinding, corporate partnerships, and overall Louisville business development. Here’s a detailed case study:
Project Overview
Client: Louisville, Kentucky
Project: Downtown BID Visitor Map Design
Objective: To create an informative and user-friendly map highlighting local businesses, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, and hospitality services provided by the BID.
Research and Analysis
- Stakeholder Assessments: Collect data from local business owners, hotel managers, and tourism officials to provide accurate data and provide what they hoped the map would achieve.
- User Studies: Gathering information from tourists and locals about their navigation challenges and interests in the downtown area.
- Competitive Analysis: Reviewing existing maps and visitor guides from similar districts in other cities for best practices.
Design Strategy
- Content Selection: The map includes prominent local businesses, popular restaurants, key entertainment venues, and hotels. Each category is color-coded for ease of identification.
- Wayfinding Elements: Clear street names, landmarks, pedestrian pathways, and public transportation hubs are highlighted to assist navigation.
- Accessibility: The map is designed for print and digital use, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
Benefits
- Local Retail: By featuring local shops and boutiques, the map drives foot traffic and supports local commerce.
- Tourism Enhancement: Tourists benefit from a comprehensive guide to the city’s attractions, increasing their likelihood of extended stays and repeat visits.
- Wayfinding Improvement: The map simplifies navigation, reducing the stress of exploring a new city and enhancing visitor experiences.
- Corporate Partnership Opportunities: Local businesses can be featured on the map or advertise it, creating resources for the BID and promotional opportunities for businesses.
- Boost to Louisville Business: A well-designed map can be a tool for economic development, encouraging investment and interest in the Downtown BID area.
Implementation and Distribution
- Production: The map is produced in both print and digital formats, ensuring wide accessibility.
- Distribution Points: Maps are distributed at key entry points to the city, including the airport, hotels, visitor centers, and participating businesses.
- Online Presence: A digital version is available on the Louisville BID website and through a dedicated mobile webpage.
Evaluation and Feedback
- User Feedback: Regular surveys of map users to assess its effectiveness and areas for improvement.
- Business Feedback: Ongoing dialogue with local businesses to measure the impact on foot traffic and sales.
- Analytics Tracking: For the digital version, usage analytics help understand user behavior and preferences.
Conclusion
The Louisville Downtown BID visitor map represents a significant step in enhancing the visitor experience, supporting local businesses, and promoting the district as a vibrant and welcoming destination. Its strategic design and thoughtful implementation are crucial in realizing these benefits. Continued evaluation and adaptation will ensure the map remains an effective tool for visitors and locals alike.
