The vibrant and historic Louisville Kentucky Bourbon District, renowned for its distinguished bourbon heritage, has become a magnet for both tourists and locals alike. In an effort to enhance navigation and promote businesses along Main Street within the Business Improvement District (BID), a specialized project was initiated to design a themed map. This map aimed not only to highlight distilleries but also to feature other key businesses and attractions, thereby fostering economic growth and community engagement.

Themed Business District Map Design: Economic Development District Way finding

Objectives

The primary goal was to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly map that accentuates the unique character of the Bourbon District. The map was designed to serve various stakeholders including:

Tourists: To offer a memorable and immersive experience of the bourbon culture.
Local Businesses: To increase visibility and foot traffic.
Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Agencies: To support local businesses and promote the area as a tourist destination.
Management and Community Districts: Including BIA, BRZ, CID, SSA, SID, LIDs, and community benefits districts, to assist in area management and development efforts.

Design Process

Research and Planning

The project commenced with a comprehensive research phase, involving stakeholders through surveys and workshops to identify key attractions, essential businesses, and visitor needs. This phase also included studying the area’s history and bourbon heritage to infuse the map with thematic elements reflective of the district’s identity.

Creative Conceptualization

Based on the insights gathered, the design team developed several conceptual designs, experimenting with various orientations, styles, and thematic elements. The concepts were reviewed by stakeholders, with a focus on ensuring that the map would be both informative and aesthetically pleasing.

Design Execution

The final design was a harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements, embodying the spirit of the Bourbon District. It featured:

Distinctive Orientation Options: Horizontal and vertical layouts to accommodate different viewing platforms and print formats.
Interactive Elements: QR codes linking to a digital version of the map, providing real-time updates on business hours, special events, and promotions.
Stylized Icons and Legend: Custom icons for distilleries, dining, shopping, and entertainment venues, along with a legend for easy navigation.
Thematic Aesthetics: A color palette inspired by the rich hues of bourbon and textures reminiscent of aged wood and copper stills.

Implementation

The map was distributed in both physical and digital formats. Physical copies were made available at key entry points to the district, including hotels, visitor centers, and participating businesses. The digital version was hosted on the BID’s website, with interactive features enabling users to plan their visit effectively.

Impact

The Themed Business District Map significantly enhanced the visitor experience in the Louisville Kentucky Bourbon District. Key outcomes included:

Increased Visibility for Businesses: Participating businesses reported a noticeable increase in foot traffic and sales.
Improved Navigation: Visitors appreciated the ease of navigating the district, leading to longer stays and increased spending.
Strengthened Community Identity: The map reinforced the district’s bourbon heritage, contributing to a stronger sense of place and community pride.
Economic Development: The map served as an effective marketing tool for the Chamber of Commerce and economic development agencies, attracting investments and new businesses to the area.

Conclusion

The Themed Business District Map Design project for the Louisville Kentucky Bourbon District stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in enhancing urban experiences, supporting local economies, and celebrating cultural heritage. By focusing on stakeholder involvement, thematic integration, and innovative design solutions, the project successfully delivered a functional and engaging resource that serves the needs of visitors, businesses, and the community at large.

Digital Marketing Case Study: Kentucky's Bourbon District, Themed Business District Map Design

We were excited to work with Kentucky's Bourbon District on this project. They needed graphic design, creative assets, digital marketing services, infographics, brochure design, KML map data, map design, business district mapping and general marketing consultation. Our team collaborated with them on their goals and enjoyed going above and beyond expectations on this project.

Case Study Goals:

In our initial discovery meeting with Kentucky's Bourbon District we determined that the primary goals for this project included: saving money, updating the look and function of the website, and to complete this project within the limits of a set deadline and budget.

Case Study Process and Highlights:

We put together a complete set of business district maps for this unique collective of distilleries and themed urban experience attractions. We like to consider ourselves a valuable partner to Kentucky's Bourbon District, working together on this project to meet all of thier objectives, aligning goals and finding unique solutions to their challenges.

Case Study Results:

We are happy to report this successful project resulted in not only a happy client but also verifiably meeting all the project goals, including these points of accomplishment: appreciated having a great aesthetic design that met their style and brand objectives and enjoyed our unique personal touch and custom sales process. These were precisely the results Kentucky's Bourbon District was looking for, and we are committed to remaining a trusted digital partner in support of Kentucky's Bourbon District's objectives.