Wayfinding and Social Density

Researcher Kristina Jazuk

Spatial decision making and wayfinding behavior in socially dense multi-level environments

Urbanisation in Singapore has led to a variety of transport engineering challenges that need to be considered in the design and retrofit of public spaces for the accommodation of higher population densities. The optimisation of crowd movement is the key to the success of these environments as financial and recreational centres. Indeed, this success is ultimately connected to patrons’ well-being and appraisal. An in-depth analysis of individuals’ wayfinding decisions in large, dense crowds and the impact of the built environment on these decisions aims at contributing to this interdisciplinary problem.

The goal of this research project is threefold, first it aims at understanding and specifying the combined impact of spatial characteristics on wayfinding behaviour in the real world. Second, to study the effects of social density, i.e., varying numbers of people present in the environment, on wayfinding behaviour, as well as the underlying cognitive processes, and emotional and stress responses. And third, to investigate and disentangle the dynamic interaction between these two factors, i.e., spatial configuration and social density, in real world.

Using both, behavioural and physiological techniques, such as eye tracking, and skin conductance, peoples’ intentions, choices, and emotional reaction to the perceived environment can be linked. Spatial analysis methods (for example, space syntax) will be used to quantify geometrical properties that can influence spatial decision-making.

This project will use such measures to predict wayfinding performance in the context of pre-occupancy evaluation for real-world scenarios. Using this evidence-based approach, the project will produce scientifically grounded insights for the design of public spaces that are more responsive to the needs of both stakeholders and patrons.

This PhD project is part of the Cognition, Perception and Behavior project in FCL 2