TfL's New Tube Map

The new tube map, released in September by Transport for London. I admire TfL for taking on the concerns of users and designers alike by stripping back the tube map to its essential elements. The awkward footnotes, blocks of information and even the Thames have been done away with, however it is important to get a balance of form and function. Previously, function took precedence in contrast to the current design where form takes precedence- but is this at the cost of usability? I believe so. The BBC reports that the Mayor, Boris Johnson, has ordered the reinstatement of the Thames on the tube map, a sensible decision by my accord. The Thames provided a useful geographical reference for the map, while the zones are of vital importance until paper tickets cease to exist completely. TfL argue that the original tube map was a masterpiece, free of zones, without the Thames and with no additional footnotes or symbols. TfL have taken a blind step backwards with this redesign by not acknowledging the needs of the user. The tube map continues to be one of the iconic masterpieces of graphic design, but while we admire Beck's original work, we should also note that improvements can still be made.