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The Effects of Ambient Illumination, Color Combination, Sign Height, and Observation Angle on the Legibility of Wayfinding Signs in Metro Stations

Author

Listed:
  • Yuqi Shi

    (Department of Transportation Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Yi Zhang

    (Department of Transportation Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Tao Wang

    (Department of Transportation Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Chaoyang Li

    (Department of Transportation Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China)

  • Shengqiang Yuan

    (Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200092, China)

Abstract

Well-designed wayfinding signs play an important role in improving the service level of metro stations, ensuring the safety of passengers in evacuation, and promoting the sustainable development of public transport. This study explored the effects of ambient illumination, color combination, sign height, and observation angle on wayfinding signs’ legibility in metro stations. In the experiment, simulated metro-wayfinding signs were made to test legibility. As designed, the legibility was measured based on the following independent variables: two levels of ambient illumination (70 lux and 273 lux), two target/background color combinations (achromatic-white target on black background, chromatic-yellow target on black background), two sign heights (1.5 m and 2 m), and three observation angles (0°, 45°, 70°). The results showed that brighter ambient illumination provided passengers with higher legibility. Achromatic color combination was more legible than chromatic color combination, but not significantly. Different types of signs, set at different height, did not directly affect legibility. Observation angle had significant effects on legibility. Visibility catchment area of wayfinding signs was like an ellipse, with its short axis nearly equal to the legibility distance of the sign at 0 degrees. The findings will facilitate the layout and setting location of wayfinding signs in metro stations and improve the level of wayfinding service.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuqi Shi & Yi Zhang & Tao Wang & Chaoyang Li & Shengqiang Yuan, 2020. "The Effects of Ambient Illumination, Color Combination, Sign Height, and Observation Angle on the Legibility of Wayfinding Signs in Metro Stations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:10:p:4133-:d:359769
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Young-Hoon Bae & Young-Chan Kim & Ryun-Seok Oh & Jong-Yeong Son & Won-Hwa Hong & Jun-Ho Choi, 2020. "Gaze Point in the Evacuation Drills: Analysis of Eye Movement at the Indoor Wayfinding," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Bin Lei & Jinliang Xu & Menghui Li & Haoru Li & Jin Li & Zhen Cao & Yarui Hao & Yuan Zhang, 2019. "Enhancing Role of Guiding Signs Setting in Metro Stations with Incorporation of Microscopic Behavior of Pedestrians," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(21), pages 1-14, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenying Zhang & Lian Zhu & Zixuan Zhang & Zhan Zhang & Linjun Lu, 2020. "A Sustainable Evaluation Method for a Tourism Public Wayfinding System: A Case Study of Shanghai Disneyland Resort," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Reza Askarizad & Jinliao He & Elham Mehrinejad Khotbehsara, 2022. "The Legibility Efficacy of Historical Neighborhoods in Creating a Cognitive Map for Citizens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-20, July.
    3. Liang Sun & Yao Xu & Sijing Teng & Bo Wang & Ming Li & Shanmin Ding, 2022. "Research into the Visual Saliency of Guide Signs in an Underground Commercial Street Based on an Eye-Movement Experiment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-23, December.
    4. Ammar Al-Sharaa & Mastura Adam & Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin & Riyadh Mundher & Ameer Alhasan, 2022. "Assessment of Wayfinding Performance in Complex Healthcare Facilities: A Conceptual Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-20, December.
    5. Jialu Zhou & Norsidah Ujang & Mohd Shahrudin Abd Manan & Faziawati Abdul Aziz, 2024. "Bridging Perceptual Gaps: Designers vs. Non-Designers in Urban Wayfinding Signage Preferences," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-21, November.

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