In 1972, New York City introduced a bold new subway map designed by Massimo Vignelli. Inspired by Harry Beck’s diagrammatic style, the map featured sleek straight lines, color-coded routes, and evenly spaced stations, earning it recognition as a design masterpiece.

But there’s more to the story. In this video, we explore why New Yorkers rejected this groundbreaking design and how it led to the creation of the map still used today.