Newton and Roberts M – CONCENTRIC CIRCLES MAPS 2018

Description

The paper examines concentric-circle schematic transit maps as an alternative to conventional octolinear designs. Concentric layouts—circles with radial spokes or tangents—can improve balance and central topographic distortion and were popular in informal online reactions. To test usability, Roberts, Newton & Canals compared two Berlin U-/S-Bahn maps in a within-subjects experiment (40 participants planning complex two-transfer journeys). Objective measures were planning time and estimated journey duration; subjective measures were questionnaire ratings and map preference. The concentric-circle map produced significantly longer planning times and poorer questionnaire scores, though estimated journey durations did not differ. Few participants preferred the concentric design, often criticizing that it made trips seem roundabout. The authors argue these short-term measures may miss potential benefits—greater coherence could aid learning—and note some networks (e.g., Cologne, Amsterdam) naturally fit concentric designs. They conclude concentric maps should not be dismissed but call for broader, novel usability metrics for schematic map evaluation.