Miranda Foster of the University of Montana conducted a research study to investigate the effectiveness of the National Park Service's Universal Symbol System. Her research, driven to enhance visitor safety and accessibility, aimed to identify and address potential ambiguities within the current symbology. During the summer of 2024, Foster gathered initial data by evaluating participant comprehension and interpretation of existing symbols. This data revealed areas where symbols fell short of their intended purpose.

The next phase of the project involved presenting focus groups with a set of redesigned symbols. As a contributing designer, I was tasked with redesigning ten existing symbols: bear spray rental, backcountry camping permit, showers, campsite, self-guided trail, ash disposal, amphitheater, bear box, wood gathering, and "stay back from edge." Leveraging the insights from Foster's research, I focused on creating symbols that were both intuitive and consistent with the existing system's design language. My approach emphasized simplification and incorporating familiar visual elements to enhance meaning and clarity. This project provided a valuable learning experience, challenging me to approach symbol design with a nuanced perspective. Rather than dismissing the existing symbols entirely, I sought to refine and improve upon them, exploring subtle modifications to enhance their effectiveness and accessibility for all park visitors.