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Searching for names in two city street maps
1Department of Psychology, University College, London UK.
Applied Ergonomics
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Map design impacts search speed. Even without grid references, factors like lowercase text significantly influenced how quickly names were found on London street atlases.
Area of Science:
- Cartography
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Design
Background:
- Finding locations on maps is a fundamental spatial task.
- Map design elements, such as grid referencing and typography, can influence user performance.
- Previous research has explored factors affecting map reading efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of map design features on the speed of name retrieval.
- To identify specific design elements that contribute to differences in map search times.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for map designers.
Main Methods:
- Conducted two experiments using London street atlases.
- Measured search times for locating names on different maps.
- Varied grid referencing systems and analyzed other design differences.
Main Results:
- Grid referencing systems significantly affected search times.
- Statistically significant differences in search times persisted even without grid referencing.
- Lowercase typography was identified as a likely contributing factor to faster search times.
Conclusions:
- Map design elements, beyond scale and familiarity, critically influence map usability.
- Lowercase typography may enhance map name legibility and search efficiency.
- Map designers should consider typographic choices to optimize user experience.