On the metro in a city you're unfamiliar with, do you prefer signs based on destination (Spandau vs. Rudow) or direction (west vs. east)?

Not only am I with you on preferring direction... but I wish every city built their subway exits like Sapporo and had a compass on the ground at the top of the stairs. (I think I've seen this in some other cities in East Asia, but I think it was most reliable in Sapporo.)

I didn't know where Shady Grove or Glenmont were until I lived near one of them. Using destinations on branchy lines like some of the London tube lines seems particularly hostile to newcomers. On the other hand, maybe learn from Tokyo signage and don't focus on either.