public transport system
the public transport system in tromsø is set to be expanded: currently, only buses and ferries operated by the existing transport company svipper are in service. a new addition will be the gondola lift to fjellheisen station, which will be directly connected to the public transport network.
the public transport system in tromsø is set to be expanded: currently, only buses and ferries operated by the existing transport company svipper are in service. a new addition will be the gondola lift to fjellheisen station, which will be directly connected to the public transport network.
the timetable will be divided into two parts and the service and design of the system will be adapted to the special light conditions in the north: the midnight sun in summer and the polar night in winter mean that the times with longer periods of light or darkness change – in each case from two distinctive dates in the year.
visibility in all light and weather conditions is particularly important: high contrast, clear shapes and easily recognisable buses, gondolas and ferries ensure that all modes of transport can be easily distinguished on maps, route plans or at stops – regardless of snow, darkness, sun or rain.
name & brand values
‘KVIKK’ is a Norwegian word for fast and efficient and also evokes associations with the English word “quick”. The name is easy to understand, memorable and works for locals and tourists alike. ‘KVIKK’ stands for reliability, future orientation and closeness to the community – clear, modern and suitable for everyday use.
‘KVIKK’ is a Norwegian word for fast and efficient and also evokes associations with the English word “quick”. The name is easy to understand, memorable and works for locals and tourists alike. ‘KVIKK’ stands for reliability, future orientation and closeness to the community – clear, modern and suitable for everyday use.
type
the colour palette is deliberately based exclusively on black and white. this enables a consistent light and dark mode in which all design elements can be completely inverted. the maximum light-dark contrast ensures maximum visibility and legibility, even in extreme weather and lighting conditions such as darkness, snow or strong backlighting.
a symbolic switch between light and dark mode takes place on a fixed day of the year when the days are either longer light than dark or longer dark than light.
individual modes of transport and elements were selected for the design of the logos: water & ferry, air & gondola, and bus & land. all logos are clear and easy to recognise and are based on the same grid, which is aligned with the bus & land logo.
the logos have a uniform structure and consist of various geometric shapes. this allows them to be easily combined with one another, while remaining clearly distinguishable and conveying their respective meanings at a glance.
the patterns are composed of individual logos arranged in a fixed grid, reminiscent of an abstract Norwegian knitting pattern. the system works in denser or more sparse variations – with spacing or overlapping.
the patterns are flexibly scalable, invertible and transferable to all applications. in addition, borders made from the overlapping elements are used, which are reminiscent of textile decorations and can replace lines as a design element.
pictograms
the various modes of transport form the heart of the public transport system in tromsø. to ensure a consistent brand identity, buses, ferries and the gondola are visually integrated into the system.
the design of the fleet follows the guiding principle of maximum contrast: each vehicle is designed to exist in both a white-on-black and black-on-white version. this consistent invertibility ensures that the brand remains visible in the cityscape – regardless of the extreme lighting conditions of the north. in addition, each mode of transport is clearly marked with its respective sub-brand and corresponding geometric pattern. this visual coding enables intuitive classification and ensures clear differentiation of the modes of transport at a glance.
gondola station
bus plan
a well-functioning public transport system also requires a well-designed app.
its central functions include route planning, ticket refunds and a contact/help section. these are visually supported by a map view and symbols for buses, gondolas and ferries.
the app is available in three languages: Norwegian, English and Northern Sami. it also offers a dark and light mode to consistently continue the existing concept.
the app icon adapts to the respective date of change together with the timetables.
there are three ticket models for different users:
besøkskort / visitorcard: for tourists, valid for bus, gondola and ferry.
skolekort / schoolcard: for schoolchildren and students, mainly on tromsø Island by bus.
reisekort / travelcard: for anyone who lives and works in and around tromsø, usable on all modes of transport.
patterns on the cards show which modes of transport may be used. all cards are easy to understand, available in Norwegian and German, as contactless plastic cards or digital apple wallet cards.
patterns on the cards show which modes of transport may be used. all cards are easy to understand, available in Norwegian and German, as contactless plastic cards or digital apple wallet cards.
