Sprent, Crawshaw and Bartram – STRUCTURING TIMETABLE INFORMATION 1983

Description

Published in *Ergonomics* in 1983, this 12-page peer-reviewed academic paper by Sprent, Crawshaw, and Bartram from the University of Hull’s Ergonomics Research Group addresses the widespread challenge of public comprehension of two-dimensional timetables. The study rigorously compares two distinct timetable formats—the common ‘Standard’ (vertical route) and the less frequent ‘Reflected’ (horizontal route)—along with modified versions. Utilizing a robust methodology involving 168 student participants, timed tasks, and comprehensive error analysis, the document is enriched with illustrative figures including actual timetable examples and data visualizations of solution times and error rates. Its findings provide clear, statistically significant evidence for the Reflected format’s superiority after initial practice, attributing its effectiveness primarily to enhanced scannability and reduced errors. This foundational research remains highly relevant for anyone involved in designing clear and accessible information displays, particularly for complex matrix-based data.