About

Genuine City Briefing is about reading cities at street level. It covers the information and visual cues people use to choose a direction, recognise a place and understand how routes fit together.

What we cover

Our subjects include wayfinding signs, maps, landmarks, street names and route design as things people encounter in ordinary urban journeys. We look at how these elements communicate, where they can confuse, and what makes information easier to use. The focus is on understanding and observation, not on directions for a particular trip.

Who it is for

The publication is for curious readers who want to notice how cities work around them: residents, visitors, walkers, transit users and anyone interested in the design of public information. No specialist background is needed. We explain terms when they matter and keep the discussion grounded in visible choices.

Our approach

We separate what can be observed from what is interpretation. A sign may be clear in wording but poorly placed; a landmark may be memorable without helping at every junction. We use concrete examples and practical ways to look more closely, without pretending one design suits every street or traveller.