The Effect of Map Orientation on Wayfinding

Contact Information

Danielle Cabiran

Contact Details

cabirada@dukes.jmu.edu

Description

Wayfinding is a term used to describe navigational problem solving. There are a number of factors on a map that can effect wayfinding ability. This experiment studied three variables; the complexity of the map, the orientation of the map, and certain cartographical features of the map on wayfinding ability. We predicted that there would be a significant main effect for all three variables, and a significant interaction effect between all three. Participants were given a map with a starting point and destination, they were asked to look at the map until they planned a route from their starting point to their destination, then they were asked to return the map and walk to the destination. Tobii eye tracking software was used to measure eye movements. Results supported that there was a significant main effect for the complexity of the map. There were also two two-way interaction effects. The results imply that participants spent significantly more time looking at the complex building.

Involvement

Involves Faculty, Involves Students

Date

Ongoing research from Spring 2019 to Spring 2020.

Frequency

One Time Only

Benefits for Faculty, Students, Community, and Institution

Benefits faculty and students with how they interact with the institution. The institution will benefit from this study by gaining information on how map orientation can aid students and faculty with navigation around buildings.

Areas of Engagement

Engaged Learning

Format

Research