Bronzaft, Dobrow and OHanlon – SPATIAL ORIENTATION IN A SUBWAY SYSTEM 1976

Description

This study examined spatial orientation in the New York City subway and evaluated the 1972 MTA subway guide’s effectiveness for users unfamiliar with the system. Drawing on cognitive-mapping research, the authors argue that the subway’s underground layout, limited visibility, fragmented structural cues, and inconsistent graphics reduce legibility and increase rider dependence on maps. Twenty recent New York arrivals were given the guide and asked to navigate prescribed routes without asking for help. Only 46% of trip-segments used acceptable routes; many errors stemmed from the map’s dot-and-cluster notation, misleading transfer displays, omission of time-varying service information, and insufficient station graphics. Riders reported insecurity and relied heavily on limited past experience. Few consulted the legend or back-page station listings that could have prevented mistakes. The authors conclude the map must be redesigned and complemented by clearer, consistently coded station signage, schedules, and integrated informational aids to improve orientation for both infrequent and regular users.