EXERCISE:

The following is part of a student report. Evaluate the methods chosen by this student to present his data. Does the introduction give adequate information to enable the reader appreciate the scope of the report? Does the conclusion indicate that the goal has been achieved? Do the recommendations follow logically from the conclusions? Using your own railway station or other central transportation depot, reconstruct the investigation and compare your results with this report:

SAMPLE OF A STUDENT REPORT

 

Evaluation of Communication in Sydney Central Railway Station

By: Lee Brooks

For: Helen McGregor Communication 1

 

May 15, 1996

 

 

Covering Letter:

 

Mrs H. McGregor

The University of Technology, Sydney

P.O. BOX 123

BROADWAY NSW 2007

 

Dear Mrs McGregor,

 

My evaluation of communication at Sydney Central Railway Station is now complete and a copy is enclosed for your inspection.With the Olympic Games being held in Sydney in the year 2000, this station will be used by a large number of non English-speaking tourists. They need to reconsider a lot of the communication used at the station.

 

The main station is an open, ?user-friendly? space with generally adequate directional communication signals for locals but useless to foreigners. The suburban part of the station, on the other hand, is ?user-hostile?. Most of the signs are standardised in lettering, colouring and positioning; however, a lack of graphic symbols makes life difficult for international visitors.

 

I have included several recommendations in my report. The most important improvement to be made to communication would be to incorporate more icons and graphic symbols into the directional signs.

 

I am sure you will find the report most interesting, and I am happy to submit it as partial requirements for completion of the subject Communication 1.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Lee Brooks

Communication student

 

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

Central Railway Station is the hub of the Sydney public transport system. It is used by thousands of travellers each day and with the Olympics being held here in Sydney, many more people will pass through its gates. An investigation of the effectiveness of communication used in the station was undertaken as part of the requirements of the subject Communication 1.

 

I considered signs, lighting and architectural detail, as well as the broadcast messages.The main station, where you catch the Country Trains, was found to be ?user-friendly?; however, the other part of the station, Suburban Trains, was ?user-hostile?. Both sections of the station needed more symbols and icons on all signs to cater to the international travellers and the multicultural nature of Sydney. Many signs also need to be simplified and have visual obstructions removed.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.         Introduction  2.         Central Station Users 3.         Terminal Layout  4.         Main Station Signs                     5.         Suburban Station                                   5.1 Railway Square                             5.2 Tunnel                                             5.3 Chalmers Street Entrance                5.4 Right-hand Passageway                    5.5 City Platforms                      6.         Evaluation                                 7.         Conclusions                              8.         Recommendations                    9.         References                                10.       Appendix                                 List of Figures   Figure 4.1         Main Station Figure 4.2         Lower Station Figure 4.3         Internationally Recognised Symbols Figure 5.1         Eddy Avenue Directional Signs Figure 5.2         Chalmers Street Signs Figure 5.3         Destination Boards

3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 12 12 13

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

Central Railway Station is the hub of Sydney's public transport system and is used by thousands of travellers each day. When the Olympics come to town, it will be used by a large number of non English-speaking tourists. All of them will need specific information to be able to complete their journey, as well as general information regarding rest rooms, chemist, food, souvenirs, etc. In addition, the information needs to be presented so that all travellers can interpret it.

 

As part of the requirements of the subject Communication 1, an investigation of the communication techniques used at Central Railway Station was undertaken. This report details the results of that study, and includes recommendations to make Central Railway Station operate more effectively for the Olympic Games.

 

7. CONCLUSIONS

 

Both parts of Central Station are very different in their effect on people and in communicating destinations effectively to them. The main part is an open, people-friendly place with lots of food stalls and benches. Everything has been kept at the same floor level which is a benefit to physically disabled patrons. The part where you catch the suburban trains, on the other hand, is a very anti-social area and poses many severe physical obstacles. These include narrow corridors, turnstiles and stairs which make travelling difficult for the elderly, disabled and those with small kids in prams. The lifts should help solve this problem when they are finally installed. The city platforms are also likely places for assaults since people are separated greatly at night. The 'Nightsafe' markers are not clear enough.

 

The signs are generally good in that they have been standardised in lettering, colouring and positioning, but they would not be understood by anyone who didn?t speak English.

 

The platform signs indicating stops are also effective if you are near enough to see them, however, they cannot be seen from the full length of the platform. They are also different to the ones used at some stations (where the writing is in red and is moving) and are difficult to read.

 

Most of the signs are hindered by the following:

 

(1)     Lack of symbols and icons to indicate services and destinations for those who don?t read English.

(2)     Lack of follow-up signs to reach your destinations.

(3)     Too much information on one sign.

(4)     Poor sign location and visual obstructions to signs.

(5)     Poor choice of information and display methods.

 

The broadcast messages on the city platforms are quite effective when accurate and when you can understand the speaker.

 

8. RECOMMENDATIONS

 

The following recommendations should be investigated to improve the movement and communication in Central Station for the Olympic Games.

(1)        Redecorate the Station.

(2)        Dedicate staff to helping handicapped people.

(3)        Make greater use of symbols and icons on all signs.

(4)        Simplify information on signs.

(5)        Remove visual obstructions from signs.

(6)        Place maps of the station at the entrances.