New Design Ideas

Designing and implementing an appropriate sign system as is required for geosites and geoforests within UNESCO Global Geopark members. These geosites and geoforests are managed by local communities, supported by local governments, academics, entrepreneurs and media who collaborate as stakeholders under an area management board. The sign systems employed in geoparks differ substantially from those used in commercial buildings or public facilities, which tend to be visually uniform and often discordant with the natural environment. In contrast, geosites and geoforests are characterized by their geodiversity, biodiversity and cultural diversity, which not only contributes to their unique identity but also requires adherence to freedom of landscape principles. This study introduces a simplified sign system concept, grounded in established theories and refined through practical design exploration. Prototypes derived from this approach were tested through three stages of public respond. The study employed a practice-led research methodology, one of three cycles in an iterative cyclic web, alongside semiotic analysis of urban and industrial sign system compared to geopark sign system. The results on physical material sign system generate first stage of four key concepts based on initial ideas surrounding cultural diversity and community involvement as graphic and information system. The second stage other four key concept formulation focused on the geodiversity and biodiversity of the natural environment as hardware system. The integration of immaterial virtual sign systems offers a dynamic solution, accommodating the complexity of educational content and packaging it within compact, interactive digital devices. These nine concept aligns with the Javanese philosophy of Sedulur papat kalima pancer, kiblat papat kalima pancer, jalma limpat seprapat tamat turn to cultural wisdom and abbreviated as “Pancer Jalma”. Analysis of signage study in Watu Payung Hutan Turunan, using nine of Pancer Jalma Concept's into ten criteria, reveals a gradual reduction of these criteria from geoforest zone, transition zone to public zone. This suggests the Pancer Jalma Concept is an effective framework for designing geopark sign systems that are functional, reflect geopark diversity, convey historical significance and prioritize sustainable materials.