FDS International Ltd – SPIDER MAP RESEARCH 1999

Description

FDS International evaluated a new topological “spider map” for London bus stops via pre/post at-stop interviews, hall tests (Charing Cross, Ealing) and depth interviews. Across methods the spider map generally outperformed the traditional Local Area Map (LAM), being clearer, easier to use, and more effective for planning direct and multi-stage journeys—especially when the destination was shown. It integrated well with All London/Central London bus guides and informal directions. Key weaknesses were incomplete stop/destination coverage and reduced effectiveness when destinations were unlisted; users also missed geographic cues (landmarks, major street names, “you are here” markers and grid references). Pairing the spider map with the LAM produced only small accuracy gains, and other guides performed moderately and sometimes conflicted. Recommendations: adopt the spider map principle and continue development, expand destination coverage and geographic detail, refine the central enlarged area and bus-stop linkage, and phase LAM replacements only after familiarity and completeness are achieved.