I don't know where I am, but information design will help

We have been told to make a scenario on how to use information design to get around a country we have no idea about. You do not speak the language, and you don't know anyone around. You have to get from one place to another and you have to figure it out on your own.

This is actually a really interesting scenario because my parents went through something like this. I was adopted from Colombia and my parents had to go pick me up. They knew no one, and they didn’t know the language. They had to be careful when they ordered food, because the water wasn’t the greatest for us. I remember them telling me a story about my father ordering fries, and he got a cup of ice cubes instead, or something of that nature. I guess this is my time to put myself in their shoes.

If were in Colombia; with no one to talk to, no knowledge of the language and not the slightest clue of how to read Spanish, I would be in trouble. But because I am an very observant person, I think I would make it through. A lot of countries have similar international signs. Even if there aren’t any, I would hope that some of them would be common sense. After all,  I would like to assume that the graphic designers of around the world follow a similar information design process. Even if I do not speak your language, I should be able to understand your sign. I would pay close attention to maps, and directional signs, and anything else my eyes can give me. Even sounds can help to. Usually, to get around town, they have signs of where certain transportations are. I would find a map, and circle the main points of my destination and little signs or pictures that explain what I am trying to say. I would show it to whoever would attempt to point me in the right direction of a kiosk of some sort and I would go from there. Usually, like I said before, they have self explanatory pictures (or at least I’d hope so.) I would manage my way through the menu of the kiosk and eventually find myself on the right mode of transport to get to where I need to be. It will be one hell of a journey, but one to remember.