P01

ISSUE 13
$5 CAD¥500

SPECIALEDITION
JAPANISSN 2817-1276
May 23, 2024

www.merci-magazine.com

MOTIVE = MOTIVATION
Motive Inc. is a leading company in signage designfor interior and architectural purposes. Under
the visionary leadership of Takuya Wakizaki, they
have become renowned for their transformative
approach to design, which emphasizes the dual
purpose of signage: not only as a visual element but
also as a tool to convey vital information.

THE PERFECT BALANCETOTETSU Training InstituteA cohesive narrative is created by integrating thearchitecture with the design philosophy. Creating
rail-line design isn’t just about markings; it’s also
about guiding spatial movement, especially inchallenging areas like blind spots. Flow lines
seamlessly blend form and function to enhance theoverall user experience.

NAVIGATING EXPERIENCE DESIGN

Inspired by the British Subway system, Mr. designed
a color scheme that differentiates universal colors
from those specific to different experiences.
Depending on where in the building you want togo, different colors correspond to different accesspoints.

THE TORCH DESIGNTOTETSU Training InstituteC ou ntr yJAPAN

Motive Inc. has carved a path of innovation in signage design for interior andarchitectural purposes, earning a well-deserved reputation. At the helm of
this success is the visionary leadership of Takuya Wakizaki, renowned for histransformative approach to design. For Mr. Wakizaki, a sign is not merely a visualelement but a manifestation of a broader philosophy he terms as ‘orientation
design equals environmental information design.’ This philosophy underscores
the significance of crafting signage that not only looks impressive but also imparts

The torch designed by Motive Inc. for the TOTETSU
Training Institute represents enlightenment andprogress. It boasts a sleek, minimalist design
inspired by Japanese aesthetics, embodying theinnovative spirit of the institute through a perfect
blend of art, technology, and tradition.

crucial information to users, empowering them to navigate their surroundings withease and confidence. With its commitment to harmonizing form and function,Motive Inc. has emerged as a preferred choice for businesses and organizations

INTERVIEW

seeking to elevate their visualbranding and user experience.

As the morning sun rises, your gaze“Mr. Wakizaki is a passionate traveller who studies
graphics, fonts, and signage systems globally toenhance user-friendly designs in Japan.

REVITALIZED KOBE PORT TOWER

Kobe Port Tower, an enduring symbol of the city’s
resilience, has been spectacularly revitalized andreopened in the spring of 2024 following extensive
seismic reinforcement. renewal for Kobe and its
people.

instinctively turns eastward. TheI chose the name “MOTIVE”
for my studio because I am
fascinated by how humans use
their five senses to perceive,
understand, and act in theworld around them. My goal isto create “motivation” that caneither stimulate or hold backactions as needed. In otherwords, I named my studio“MOTIVE Inc.” with the hope ofdesigning motivation.

“MOTIVE Inc.” with the hope of designing motivation | TAKUYA WAKIZAKI“salty scent of the tide whispersof the nearby sea. Imagine thebeacon of light illuminating thetunnel’s end, heralding the pathto liberation. In these sensory
vignettes, Mr. Wakizaki articulates
his belief that humans and theirenvironments

areintricatelyinterwoven. According to him,
we possess an inherent ability
to adapt and respond to oursurroundings by interpreting theBY MERCI MAGAZINEP02ISSUE 13

NAVIGATING TOTETSU KOGYO’S LEGACY
WITH INNOVATIVE WAYFINDING
stimuli around us into practical information, fostering a profound sense of belonging and relevance.

The idea that ‘stimulus equals information’ has become increasingly popular, leading to an intriguingquestion: How do the various stimuli we encounter shape our brains, minds, and bodies? What sets apartinformation that motivates us from information that has no effect? This concept piques our interest andInspired by the British Subway system, Mr. Wakizaki implemented a color
scheme that distinguishes between colors used universally across all ourinvites us to explore the intricate design world and its significant impact on our perception.

products and those specific to various experiences. For example, distinct
colors represent activities like planning or traveling, making payments orusing an account, exploring new services or features, and accessing help andsupport.

Human form and the pursuit of comfort are inextricably linked in design. Designers craft chairs to conformto the contours of the human body, reflecting a deep understanding of the human body. But beyond thephysical lies the realm of “thinking” and “motivation” - the unseen forces that shape our interactions.

Totetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. is a company that showcases precision, expertise, and a legacy linked to Japan’s railway
heritage. Since its establishment by the former Ministry of Railways, Totetsu Kogyo has meticulously maintained
and strengthened Japan’s rail system, embodying excellence in all its endeavours. The Totetsu Training Institutesymbolizes this commitment, nurturing a team of highly competent professionals and preserving the company’s
unique expertise. Totetsu Kogyo’s identity and ethos are reflected in its meticulously crafted wayfinding system, afusion of functionality and aesthetics.

“Totetsu Kogyo owes its long-standing rail success to its curved rail lines, which are also the central motif of ourdesign.” said by Mr. Wakizaki. At Motive Inc., our approach to design goes beyond navigation and incorporates anarrative that is an integral part of the architecture. Our rail-line design serves more than just as markers; it guides
spatial movement in challenging areas such as blind spots, creating dynamic flow lines that enhance the overallexperience.

The company’s personality shines through with creative aesthetic accents such as incorporating rail scraps into thestairs and the facility’s name sign, reflecting Totetsu Kogyo’s roots and ongoing journey.

On the second floor, you can find a chromatic symphony inspired by Totetsu Kogyo’s train lines. The rooms’ colourcoded design reflects the company’s extensive reach and impact. The key cards, when combined, form a mosaicof route maps that resemble track sections and serve as a visual metaphor for the diverse paths and opportunities
available in Totetsu Kogyo’s universe.

Mr. Takuya Wakizaki’s design philosophy focuses on functionality and aims to instill a deep sense of pride in trainees.
Every element of Totetsu Kogyo bears witness to its enduring legacy and the limitless potential it fosters in its students.
From the flowing lines that guide their paths to the vibrant colours that adorn their spaces, Totetsu Kogyo’s influence
is unmistakable.
BY MERCI MAGAZINE“MOTIVE Inc.” with the hope of designing motivation | TAKUYA WAKIZAKIP03ISSUE 13O N E STORY, ONE I NT E RVI E W

DESIGNING ‘MOTIVATION’:CRAFTING INSPIRING PATHWAYS TO SUCCESSHow can artificial intelligence (AI) be utilized in signage
design to enhance user experience and engagement?
AI integration in signage design enhances userexperience. Railway stations have already adopted
AI in ticket machines, vending kiosks, and fare gates,
simplifying access to desired information and predictinguser preferences.
As a signage designer for public transportation, I havegained extensive knowledge of station signage planningand transportation infographics. However, when I am at
an unfamiliar station and need to navigate to a specificdestination, I rely more on my smartphone’s map app
than the station signage. I’m concerned about my work
becoming irrelevant due to smartphones’ increasing
capabilities. Smartphones can resolve or aid with almost
every aspect of daily life, and they’ll work closer with
AI as they evolve. Although I’m not an AI specialist anddon’t fear losing my job to AI, a crucial issue must beaddressed first.
“I grew up in Kobe, where people use the mountains
and sea as navigation aids. When designing signage, I
incorporate these spatial cues.”
AI-powered wayfinding solutions are likely to become
more commonly used in the future. As a designer, I may
incorporate AI-enabled components into my signage
designs. However, my top priority is ensuring that users
can easily perceive and navigate mountains through AI
or traditional signage. While it’s impossible to recreate
mountains and seas within buildings, substitutes can becreated.
In today’s increasingly complex digital environments,
it is essential to help users orient themselves spatiallyand navigate smoothly, which ultimately promotesbetter compatibility with technologies such as artificialintelligence.
What principles or color palettes should be used when
designing signs for color-blind individuals?
I understand colour vision deficiency well. It is classified
into three main types: “1(P) type,” “2(D) type,” and “3(T)type,” and it can have significant effects on perception.
Relying solely on colour combinations (hue, saturation,brightness) for colour discrimination has limitations withjust three or four colours. Color vision deficiencies are
more common in Western countries than in Japan.
The London Underground map (also known as the TubeMap) is impressive, but it can be difficult for people
with colour blindness to distinguish the over ten line
colours. However, the official website offers a map for

people with colour vision deficiencies. Thismap is created in monochrome without using
colours, allowing identification based on
patterns rather than colours. I appreciate thissincere and practical approach, as it focuseson the essence of communicating information
rather than just colours. This is an excellent
example of inclusivity and accessibility.
When designing signage, it’s essential toconsider colour as a supplementary codefor information identification rather thanthe primary code. If colour is the primarymeans of conveying information, people
with colour vision deficiencies might havedifficulty receiving information and navigating
spaces. It’s crucial that signage is accessible
and understandable for everyone, regardlessof their colour perception, to ensure thateveryone can use the space comfortably.
How can signage be made more accessible
for people with hearing impairments? Are
there design elements or technologies tohelp this group communicate better?

“Each of the five senses contains elements that stimulate
the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. I
aim to learn from and apply this scientific knowledge.
Though it may sound ambitious, I aspire to design
results, not just objects.”

Constructing a signage plan (sign system) requires
three main components: “graphic design,” “productdesign,” and “layout planning.” Moreover, some of thecomponents contain minimal information that can bequickly checked while walking, while others, like floor
maps, contain extensive information that requires apause and calm observation.
Signage design must consider individuals with hearing
impairments. Since they cannot hear ambient sounds,
the “layout planning” aspect becomes crucial.

Have you implemented accessible design solutions forpeople with disabilities?
As a signage designer, I take an indirect approach tohelping wheelchair users move comfortably withina space. Though not an architect, I collaborate withdesigners to incorporate minor spatial changes wheneverpossible. My primary role is to design signage plans thatcreate pathways and allow people to move smoothly
based on the drawings in the plan. This helps to make iteasier for wheelchair users to navigate the space.
As a designer responsible for signage, I create pathways
that effectively disperse users and ensure smooth
movement within a space. In the case of a department
store with a cinema on the top floor, many elevators areavailable, but people tend to crowd around the closest
one, causing congestion. However, by creating pathways
where many people move, it is possible to minimize
congestion in narrower areas, providing comfortable
movement not only for wheelchair users but also for
non-disabled individuals. Although this work may not
be visible, a signage designer must think about how tomotivate and encourage natural and smooth movement
along planned pathways.

Signs for individuals with hearing impairments shouldbe placed in appropriate spaces to avoid collisions orobstructions. Signage must be tailored for optimal
information delivery for all people. Signage designers
should exhibit their expertise in achieving a user-friendly
signage plan.
How can you design signage that is easily accessible topeople with disabilities other than vision and hearing?
This question is complex and requires more than a few
words to answer. However, I chose the name “MOTIVE”
for my studio because I am fascinated by how humans
use their five senses to perceive, understand, and act inthe world around them. My goal is to create “motivation”
that can either stimulate or hold back actions as needed.
In other words, I named my studio “MOTIVE Inc.” withthe hope of designing motivation.

THE TORCH DESIGN

The torch, designed by Motive Inc. for theThe torch is designed with sustainability

TOTETSU Training Institute, embodies

in mind. It is made from recyclable

culturalmaterials,heritageandcontemporaryand

theproductioninnovation. The institute’s core principles

processes are optimized to minimize

arewaste,enlightenment,

knowledge,

anddemonstrating

aneco-the guiding light of education. Flames

conscious approach. Furthermore, theare universal symbols for learning andtorch’s modular design enables easy

inspiration, as evidenced by the torch’smaintenancedynamic form.

which extends its lifespan and reduces

andfutureupgrades,

its environmental impact.
The torch integrates traditional Japanese
craftsmanshipwithstate-of-the-art

To the Tetetsu Training Institute, MotiveaninterdisciplinaryInc.’s torch represents a symbol thattechnology

inapproach.

Drawingfromcombines art, technology, and tradition.

traditional Japanese minimalism, theIt embodies TOTETSU’s forward-thinking

design emphasizes simplicity, elegance,

spirit and the timeless elegance ofand functionality with its streamlined

Japanese design, standing as a beaconsilhouette. The minimalist design isof creativity and innovation.

inspiration

visually appealing and ergonomicallyoptimized,

showcasing

MotiveInc.’scommitment to cutting-edge design andengineering.
BY MERCI MAGAZINE“MOTIVE Inc.” with the hope of designing motivation | TAKUYA WAKIZAKIISSUE 13

THE RESPLENDENT REVIVAL OF KOBE PORT TOWER

The Kobe Port Tower, an enduring symbol of the city’s resilience, has been
spectacularly revitalized and reopened in the spring of 2024 following extensive
seismic reinforcement. This iconic landmark, which miraculously withstoodthe devastation of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995, continues toshine as a beacon of hope and renewal for Kobe and its people.
The tower’s nighttime illumination resumed just a month after the earthquake
and has long symbolized the enduring spirit of recovery. Today, its red glow
attracts visitors, embodying historical significance and contemporary designinnovation. Motive Inc.’s recent redesign has artfully amplified the tower’s
visual impact through meticulous design elements that reflect its luminous
presence.

KOBE PORT TOWER
The entrance hall on the first floor features concentric acrylic panels thattransition from yellow to red, symbolizing the tower’s vibrant glow against thenight sky. This thematic use of colour guides visitors intuitively through thespace, creating an immersive experience that culminates in the second-floor
elevator hall, where a red glass partition intensifies the colour scheme, leading
visitors naturally toward the tower’s iconic red hue.
To enhance the visitor experience, the floor guidance system employs thesilhouette of the Port Tower for precise navigation, with arrows inspired by
the tower’s structural pipes. Some of these arrows have crossed tips forming
hidden heart motifs, adding a playful touch. Additionally, the second-floor
automatic doors feature an animated silhouette of the tower that completes
when visitors approach, adding an element of surprise and delight.
The design, a collaborative effort involving COL.architects, VANS ARCHITECTS,and Studio Tanbo, seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. It
honours the historical legacy of Kobe Port Tower while embracing modernity
through innovative design. The tower’s transformation is structural andsymbolic, reflecting the resilient spirit of Kobe and promising to leave anindelible mark on all who visit. This revitalized beacon is set to shine brightly
for many years to come, symbolizing hope, progress, and the enduring beautyof Kobe.
Architect: COL.architects, VANS ARCHITECTS
Lighting Design: studio tanbo
Client: FELISSIMO CORPORATION
Photo: Takeshi SHINTO, Fumito SUZUKI

Photos courtesy of MOTIVE Inc.
#ISSUE 13#ISSN 2817-1276
Managing Director: Peggy Lui
Design Studio: COMS UEHARA #403,
1-11-12, Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
151-0064, Japan

Editor and copywriter: Merci TeamArt Direction: Peggy Lui
Design by: Dasom Park
Printed in Japan/ Canada

Phone: +81-3-5453-5128
Email: info@motive.tokyo
Website: http://motive.tokyo
Instagram: http://motive.tokyo“MOTIVE Inc.” with the hope of designing motivation | TAKUYA WAKIZAKIOne Story by Merci Media Corproation is a Trademark publication.
Trademark file number 2222129.
It all begins with one story - One Brand, One Solution, One Story