Irkutsk Tram System:
Visual Redesign
This project aims to modernize the Irkutsk tram map. The official map was visually outdated and difficult to read, especially for first-time users. The goal was to improve clarity, structure, and usability while keeping the system easy to understand at a glance.
While collecting and studying official subway and tram maps from cities around the world, I noticed that some systems still rely on designs that no longer meet modern readability standards. This project is my personal vision of how the Irkutsk tram map could be redesigned using contemporary transit-map principles.
All stops are marked with tram line numbers to clearly indicate which routes serve each stop. This helps passengers immediately understand whether a specific tram stops at their location and avoids confusion when planning a route.
In Irkutsk, multiple tram lines share the same rail sections in several parts of the network. Without clear route indicators at each stop, passengers may assume that all trams on a shared track stop at every station, which is not always the case. Displaying line numbers directly at the stops removes this ambiguity and supports more accurate route decisions, especially for visitors and infrequent users.
This approach improves wayfinding clarity and reduces uncertainty during transfers and route planning.
The original tram map used highly saturated colors that created strong visual contrast and increased eye strain when multiple lines were viewed together.
The updated color system is based on the Irkutsk city identity developed for the 360-year anniversary project. The new palette uses softer, more balanced tones while preserving clear distinction between routes. This improves overall readability, reduces visual fatigue, and creates a calmer, more coherent viewing experience, especially when all lines are shown together.
Irkutsk International Airport is not directly served by a tram line. To address this, the map highlights the fastest transfer options using trolleybuses and buses from the tram network.
Transfers are shown from three key stations, together covering all seven tram lines. These routes were selected based on travel time and simplicity, helping passengers quickly understand how to reach the airport by combining tram and surface transport.
Several tram routes in Irkutsk share the same track sections, and some of them operate in opposite directions on circular or semi-circular segments (routes 1, 3, 5, and 6). To prevent confusion, the map explicitly shows the direction of travel for each route.
Directional arrows help passengers understand whether a tram is moving clockwise or counter-clockwise on shared tracks. This reduces the risk of boarding the wrong tram and supports more accurate route planning, especially in areas where multiple routes overlap.
Similar to the airport transfer logic, the map highlights pedestrian connections from tram stops to major Russian Railways stations used by passengers — Irkutsk Station and Akademicheskaya Station.
Walking routes are shown with estimated travel time in minutes. The dotted line uses one circle per minute, allowing passengers to quickly assess distance and choose the most convenient tram stop for transfer.
High-resolution versions of the map and an alphabetical list of all tram stations are available for download for personal use.
For any commercial use, reproduction, or distribution, please contact DK Works LLC to obtain permission.
Для личного использования доступны для скачивания версии карты в высоком разрешении, а также алфавитный список всех трамвайных остановок.
Для любого коммерческого использования, воспроизведения или распространения необходимо получить разрешение, связавшись с DK Works LLC.
Download high-resolution map (JPEG / A2 / 300dpi)
Download station list (JPEG / A2 / 300dpi)
Download usage agreement (PDF)