Radi(c)al departures

Abstract

An experiment is reported in which two designs of Berlin U-/S-Bahn network maps were compared for usability. One was conventional, based on standard schematic design rules used worldwide: Straight lines with tightly radiused corners, and only horizontal, vertical, or 45o diagonal angles permitted. The other was a novel concept, based on concentric circles and spokes radiating from a central point. The former has the benefit of simple line trajectories, the latter potentially has the benefit of a coherent overall appearance. The experiment investigated both an objective performance measure (time required to plan complex journeys) and a variety of subjective measures (choice between maps, ratings of statements associated with usability, direct ratings of usability). All subjects planned journeys using both designs. Overall, performance was worse for the concentric circles map, and it received poor ratings. However, in line with previous research, objective and subjective measures were dissociated. For example, many subjects expressed a preference for the design that was not the best for them in terms of objective performance. © John Benjamins Publishing Company 2016. This article is under copyright and the publisher should be contacted for permission to re-use or reprint the material in any form.