…an engaging three-minute video that simplifies the story with efficiency and playful energy; it’s proof that even an obtuse topic (urban parking management theory) can be made fun and accessible with good design.

Recently, our work has shifted slightly to focus on informing the public of demolition and construction updates at the old Terminal, and service adjustments at the new Temporary Terminal. We look forward to our continued service on this project as the old Terminal disappears and, over the next seven years, the new Terminal rises.

Words Pictures Ideas was greatly honored to be selected in a highly-competitive process to design and build the new website for Project Open Hand. At the recent 25th Anniversary party for Project Open Hand, after a rousing countdown, the website was revealed to cheers and congratulations. Project Open Hand’s Executive Director Tom Nolan saw the website for the very first time that night!

The design of the new Project Open Hand website was guided by a few key goals:

• Highlight the roles Project Open Hand plays in the lives of its clients, donors, staff, and volunteers
• Engage the community through improved access to social connection and sharing features
• Simplify the organization and presentation of information so site visitors can easily find what they seek
• Present a modern and dynamic look that will serve Project Open Hand for many years

A key feature of the new site is a dramatically improved events calendar. Project Open Hand presents numerous events, and publicizes events presented by others that benefit the organization—ensuring easy access to event information was a key requirement. The new events calendar is prominently featured on the home page where the current month’s events can be seen at a glance. Additional event details, including Google Maps and easy importing to both iCal and Google Calendar, is just a click away.

The graphic design of the new site is bold and fun, with ample use of large type, bright colors, and graphical elements that represent Project Open Hand’s various content areas.

Here’s our favorite comment related to the video. (Take note, NYCDOT!)

WPI joined the SFMTA in preparing the neighborhood for the big change with a community outreach strategy and printed materials as well as media support. We even had the opportunity to design meter decals, meaning the new meters are not only smart, they are also beautiful. Very SF.

So long, old building. We look forward to meeting your shinier successor in 2017.

The Transbay Terminal during its last week. WPI designed the signage directing transit riders to the new Temporary Terminal.

A rare glimpse of Transbay Terminal's Cuddles Bar, where former transit riders would take a load off and cuddle up to a drink.

These benches are the Terminal's "movie stars": they shared screen time with Will Smith in the film The Pursuit of Happyness.

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After facilitating approval from our friends at the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, we were happy to provide the communications and entertainment giant use of our artwork free of charge. Sure, we could have collected a few bucks for it. But in our minds, anything done to help people and companies prepare for potential disaster makes all of us stronger.

In August 2010 the old Transbay Terminal will begin the process of closing and demolition, making way for construction of the new Transbay Transit Center, set to open in 2017. While the new facility is under construction, commuters will use the new Transbay Temporary Terminal a few blocks away.

WPI, working with Singer Associates, was tasked with helping commuters make the move to the Temporary Terminal—both finding it and using it. We developed a special identity, wayfinding signage, maps, handouts, banners and a revamped website at temporaryterminal.org.

One small step for commuters. One giant leap for commuter-kind.

WPI’s work was featured in the form of a booth custom-designed to fit into the EXPO’s Best Urban Practices Pavilion. It also included developing and manning the controls of a presentation given to hundreds of VIPs and the China-based team that is helping to manufacture huge steel components on the new portion of the Bay Bridge. WPI also created the artwork for a range of giveaways, from postcards to hats, bags, and pins.

Scale model of the new signature span of the Bay Bridge

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and former mayor Willie Brown reviewing the SAS model

View through the Self-Anchored Suspension Span (SAS) Model at the Expo

Postcards from Expo!

Expo mascot Hybo (left) with visitor

Visitors at the Bay Bridge Exhibit