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Title:

HUMAN ORIENTATION AND WAYFINDING IN AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINALS

Accession Number:

00611988

Record Type:

Component

Availability:

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Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/030905107X

Abstract:

Passengers and visitors to major U.S. airport terminals frequently complain that they have problems finding their way through the vast and complex structures. Such problems are related to the extent to which it is possible to reach various destinations within reasonable limits of time and effort, which is an important aspect of a terminal building's environmental quality. This paper provides an evaluation of current airport terminal wayfinding systems, focusing specifically on visual information elements, such as signs, maps, and directions. A multiple-method strategy of respondent self-reporting and behavior tracing was used to draw a composite picture of passenger wayfinding information needs and to identify particular problems that lead to poor spatial orientation or wayfinding performance. Significant problems were reported and observed with respect to the design of you-are-here maps and, to a lesser extent, corridor directional signs. These problems are addressed in the context of a theoretical framework for understanding how humans acquire and represent navigational information. This framework, in turn, is used both to evaluate existing terminal designs and to suggest specific guidelines for effectve redesign.

Supplemental Notes:

This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1298, Public Sector Aviation Issues: Graduate Research Award Papers 1989-1990. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved

Monograph Accession #:

01495453

Authors:

Andre, Anthony D

Pagination:

p. 25-32

Publication Date:

1991

Serial:

Transportation Research Record

Issue Number: 1298
Publisher: Transportation Research Board
ISSN: 0361-1981

ISBN:

030905107X

Features:

Figures (6) ; References (29)

Uncontrolled Terms:

Direction finding

Old TRIS Terms:

Subject Areas:

Aviation; Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities

Files:

TRIS, TRB

Created Date:

Aug 31 1991 12:00AM

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