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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
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
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/idj.20011.wan
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