UNIT 8 Designer Research: Harry Beck

Harry Beck is a well known designer although he was originally an underground electrical draughtsman he created the iconic underground map that is recognisable by millions of people all around the globe. Beck created the imaginative London underground map design in 1933 and his design became the official underground map after a successful trial run where the public approved of the design although the publicity department had originally rejected his idea.





I decided to research into his design as I wanted to include research of someone who actually designed a map rather than using a map to create something else. Beck introduced his own style into the design by making the map look similar to a circuit design - something Beck was accustomed to creating on a daily basis - which is what I admire most about his work: the incorporation of his own skills to make something unique by taking influence from himself.



I aim to take influence from Harry Beck by taking initiative to be original within my own work and incorporate a map I have created myself to include within or inspire my final piece.

My sketchbook page