Article published in:
Information Design Journal
Vol. 26:1 (2021) ► pp. 53–72

An eye-tracking study examining information search in transit maps

Using China’s high-speed railway map as a case study

This study investigates the legibility of China’s high-speed railway map through eye-tracking measurement. The information searching process was identified by conducting: (1) Scoping stage – a user performance test and interview to inform the design of the eye-tracking study; (2) In-depth stage – an eye-tracking study. A number of visual design problems with the map have been identified. This research explores user-centered design map solutions and provides detailed design guidance for transit maps. It also demonstrates that eye-tracking is an effective method of evaluating the design quality of a transit map as it can identify design limitations and user needs.
Keywords: information design, visualization, legibility, eye tracking, map design
Published online: 10 May 2021
https://doi.org/10.1075/idj.20011.wan
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