Burch – WHICH SYMBOLS, FEATURES, AND REGIONS ARE VISUALLY ATTENDED IN METRO MAPS 2018

Description

This eye-tracking study with 40 participants examined which elements of metro maps draw visual attention during a 20-second free inspection. Using 24 comparable maps (color-coded and grayscale variants), the researchers tracked gaze patterns to see whether users focus on lines, stations, interchange points, symbols, labels, or legends when not given a specific task. Results show participants consistently fixated on high-contrast, “pop-out” features—especially airport symbols and map legends—and on visually dense regions rather than sparse areas. Attention distributions were very similar between colored and grayscale maps. The authors argue these findings can inform map design by identifying which regions and symbols attract immediate or frequent attention, helping designers guide viewers and improve map legibility and speed of comprehension for travelers, including those unfamiliar with a city.