Newton and Roberts M – CONCENTRIC CIRCLES MAPS 2018

Description

This 4-page academic paper, “Concentric Circles Maps: Data and Implications,” was authored by Elizabeth J. Newton of London South Bank University and Maxwell J. Roberts of the University of Essex, and presented at the Diagrams 2018 International Conference. Published in 2018, it investigates the usability of schematic transport maps designed with concentric circles, an alternative to conventional linear layouts. The document features six illustrative images of various city maps (London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Cologne), visually supporting its comparative analysis. Reporting on a within-subjects study of Berlin’s U-/S-Bahn, the authors critically examine objective performance metrics and subjective user preferences. While concentric maps showed poorer planning times and lower user favorability in the study, the paper offers nuanced insights into map usability evaluation, emphasizing the need for broader assessment criteria beyond simple efficiency. It serves as a valuable, research-backed contribution to urban diagram design and human-computer interaction.