Mackenzie and Howell – TIME TABLES – A USER VIEW 1993

Description

This study found that conventional alphanumeric public transport timetables are difficult for many users to read, reducing uptake. The authors developed two user-centered prototypes for Brisbane: an Enhanced Numeric (rotated, left-to-right route stick map, clearer numeric typography, 12-hour clock with morning/afternoon/evening labels, icons and colour coding) and a Timeline (graphic datalines on a time grid replacing most numeric times). Diagnostic testing with 52 diverse participants compared the prototypes to the Standard timetable across common tasks. Both prototypes significantly improved users’ ability to find stops, identify express services, locate park-and-ride and interconnection information, and perceive service frequency and irregularities; the Timeline excelled at visualizing frequency and macro/micro context but sacrificed minute-level precision, where the Enhanced Numeric performed better. The authors conclude that combining graphic and numeric elements, iterative refinement, and coordinated support information/signage would improve legibility and likely increase public transport usage.