Define – PRESENTATION OF HALL TEST FINDINGS 1993

Description

A Hall Test of 528 interviews (with additional qualitative groups) evaluated new bus information designs. Key findings: the “Where buses go” poster was clearest, most appealing and most useful; performance tests confirmed much higher comprehension. For maps, the revised Penrose performed best overall (especially for light users and map-phobics), while the Squircle appealed to some but fails in dense central areas. Line diagram B17—colour treatment with interchange destination names—outperformed alternatives, with interchange and coloured fare-zone information rated highest priority. Users prefer information presented in a natural, minimal order; excess detail reduces usability. Local guides should include BR/LUL maps, local/destination maps, line diagrams, “where to catch” lists, night-bus info, a contact phone number and a date on the cover. Phobic users want human-led options: a bus wheel, freephone helpline, kiosks and route diagrams on buses. Recommended stop-level changes: “Where buses go” posters, revised Penrose maps, individual timetables in outer zones, and first/last + broad-frequency info in central zones. Improvements are expected to increase usage, particularly among light users.