Test the effectiveness of building safety guidance signs in a T-junction corridor based on eye movement data

Evacuation signs are a key factor in the effectiveness of occupants’ urgent escape from buildings. Different sign features may have disparate impacts on individual and crowd behavior. This study aims to quantitatively investigate the effectiveness of building evacuation signs with different features during pedestrian evacuation using eye-tracking devices. Ten experiments were conducted in a building in T-junction scenarios, and four sets of features related to evacuation signs (color, position, graphics, and flashing) were considered. SMI BeGaze was used to analyze the eye movements of the occupants. The fixation duration of the evacuees and the ratio of signs detected and followed were quantitatively derived and compared for each experiment. The results show that it is easier for evacuees to detect signs at a low sightline, and signs posted at that level of sight can provide better guidance. When signs are posted high up, red signs are easier to detect than green signs. Most evacuees prefer to follow the evacuation signs once they detect them; however, there is no significant difference in the effect of what is posted on the evacuation signs, such as a running man or an arrow. Conversely, flashing of signs is highly helpful in influencing evacuees’ behavior, but flashing is not helpful in detecting signs. More importantly, red signs with a running man graphic located in a low position have the best guiding effects on evacuees. The fixation behaviors of evacuees vary according to sign features, particularly in regard to flashing and color. Evacuees stare longer at twinkling signs. Differences in the colors and positions of signs result in significantly different perceptual behaviors among evacuees. Our findings are useful for building designers and provide guidance for developing effective evacuation strategies.