Hot Spot Signs

Concept:

A summary of the idea, the needs it serves, and a description of a possible pilot program

Though Pittsburgh wonders may never cease, they often go unnoticed. While city guides and promotional advertising may bring people out, Pittsburgh needs physical markers pointing the way to its many cultural and historical hot spots.

A concentration in downtown and other strategic neighborhoods could increase visitors to these places. Signs could mark locations widely known and those more out-of-the-way and off-the-map. Signs should be relevant both to the seasoned Pittsburgher, the newly arrived, and the tourist.

Priorities:

These ideals are integral to a successful project design

• designing unique and engaging signs
• selecting an initial collection of sites
• expansion considerations.

Concerns:

Possible difficulties, pitfalls, and obstacles to consider

• duplicating existing similar projects
• developing robust network of destinations
• getting people to notice the signs.

Idea History:

Learn more about the idea, from genesis to dialogue

Hot Spot Signs originated in room 341 and was an idea to increase tourism and create a more robust catalog of city sites.

Related Links:

Get to know these groups, organizations, projects, and authorities, their current and past activities, the possibility for consultation or partnership, and in-roads to collaboration.

• Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
• City Planning
• Pittsburgh Signs Project
  

General Questions:

These important questions are asked of each idea. Try your hand at answering them as a way to explore the idea and how to make it happen. Answers to these questions help to demonstrate the Idea's strength and potential for success.

1. What level is the idea at? (Research, Planning, Fundraising, Advocacy, Deployment, other (explain))
2. What is a reasonable next step/phase for the concept? How can investment move the idea forward?
3. What other resources or opportunities are available or necessary to make the idea happen?
4. What existing activities or organizations in Pittsburgh duplicate some or all of the program components? How can this idea compete with, complement, and/or learn from these other activities?
5. Who should be included in this discussion? Does the concept call for outside consultation or assistance from other organizations?
6. How should the idea be promoted?
7. How should project success be measured?
8. What questions should be asked of a proposal for this project?

Starter Questions:

These questions address some of the anticipated programmatic concerns that come with administering small projects. Consider them test questions for model projects-- responses should be incorporated into the project's design.

1. How will the "Hot Spots" be identified, cataloged, and listed?
2. Will the project solicit membership or act independently?
3. What strategic areas will be included in the pilot deployment?
4. How will the signs be designed to serve needs of visibility and practicality?
5. How will the project raise awareness of the signs?
6. Will the signs be permanent?
7. How will the project expand?