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
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Eye-tracking user performance test
- 2.1Scoping
- 2.2Participants
- 2.3Test environment, procedure, and materials
- 2.4Task settings
- 3.Results and analysis
- 3.1Result of Task 1: Find the train line Huning PDL
- 3.2Result of Task 2: What is the distance between Jinanxi station and Zhangqiu station?
- 3.3Result of Task 3: Plan a route between Beijing station & Shijiazhuang station
- 3.4Result of Task 4: Plan a route between Nanjing station & Ningbo station
- 4.Discussion
- 4.1Information design
- 4.2Visual design
- 5.Conclusion
-
References
Published online: 10 May 2021
https://doi.org/10.1075/idj.20011.wan
https://doi.org/10.1075/idj.20011.wan
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