Embracing Community Experience with Soofa Signs at Longwood Collective
The Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA) in Boston is a busy hub of research, education, and care. At the heart of this dynamic neighborhood is Longwood Collective, a non-profit organization committed to fostering community and improving neighborhood experiences for everyone who passes through. For example, they provide services such as critical transportation and operating services, district planning, placemaking, project review, sustainability initiatives, emergency preparedness, areawide stewardship, and more.
As part of their mission to enhance accessibility and connectivity, Longwood Collective has worked with Soofa to introduce two strategically placed Soofa Signs. The digital kiosks are helping Longwood Collective transform the way information is shared in this bustling area, and reaching more people than ever. We spoke to members of the Longwood Collective team, including Samantha Ormsby, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, to learn why they chose Soofa Signs and how they’re utilizing them so far.
Enhancing An Important Neighborhood
Longwood is a historic and unique neighborhood home to world-class medical facilities and academic organizations, while also serving as an economic hub and cultural destination for Boston.
"Longwood is a neighborhood of mission-driven institutions that seek to care for, educate, and enrich the members of greater Boston and beyond," explains Longwood Collective. The non-profit’s work is driven by a commitment to “constantly improve the experience of everyone who comes to the district to learn, work, or heal.”
Choosing Soofa Signs
The decision to bring Soofa Signs to Longwood was inspired by the desire to increase engagement with the neighborhood’s 73,000 employees, 24,000 students, and 134,000 daily visitors. Since their installation, the LMA’s Soofa Signs have been providing important information like local news, and enhancing visitor experiences in numerous ways. Here are some of Longwood Collective’s favorite features.
"The transit widget allows people in the district to see what bus routes are available to them to get to their next destination and is constantly updating with real-time updates on MBTA service," says the Collective.
Longwood Collective uses Soofa Signs to highlight local activities, including their free outdoor events like dog petting, and popular food truck schedules.
Visitors can easily explore the area with the help of Longwood Collective’s static wayfinding map, which identifies key locations around the neighborhood and makes navigation easier for first time visitors.
"We’re excited to host Soofa Signs in the LMA because they are a great resource for being able to convey information to a range of audiences in an easy-to-use, convenient way," shares Longwood Collective.
Strategic Placement for Maximum Impact
Longwood Collective carefully chose locations for their Soofa Signs to ensure they reach as many people as possible. Their two signs are located near a pedestrian entrance to a major parking garage, and at the intersection of one of the busiest spots in the district.
"Our two Soofa Signs are both strategically located in areas that see a lot of foot traffic," explains the Collective. These high-visibility placements allow the signs to reach the largest possible audience, while delivering information to everyone who passes by.
Designing for the Community
The static design of the Soofa Signs features Longwood Collective branding with a thoughtfully designed map of the LMA. This map highlights significant locations including nearby medical institutions, universities, and cultural destinations.
"We worked with graphic designers to ensure that the map was informative, easy to read, and aesthetically pleasing," the Longwood Collective shares, emphasizing the importance of clear and accessible design.
A Collaboration for Success
Longwood’s experience with the Soofa team has been a rewarding partnership. "It has been great working with Dan West Cohen and Jana Stewart," says the Longwood Collective. "They are responsive, professional, and have been helpful in making our vision for the district come to life."
The Longwood Collective’s collaboration with Soofa is an inspiring example of how technology can transform community spaces. By addressing practical needs like transit updates and wayfinding while also fostering joy through event information and local activities, these signs contribute to a more connected and welcoming environment.
"The Soofa Signs have been an exciting new addition to our work," says the Longwood Collective. With this forward-thinking approach, Longwood is not only a hub of medical and academic excellence but also a community that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and shared experiences.
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