Exploring the correlations between time perception and street visual elements during walking based on eye-tracking technology –– an experimental study in Nanjing historic commercial district

Abstract

Time perception refers to the subjective assessment of event duration. In architecture and urban design, time is often treated as a standardized unit, with limited focus on how users perceive time in space at the micro-scale, particularly regarding discrepancies between objective environments and spatial perception. Recent advancements in physiological sensing technologies enable quantitative studies of spatial perception. This study examines the relationship between pedestrians’ time perception and micro-level streetscape elements from a visual perception perspective. On-site walking experiments using a head-mounted eye tracker were conducted in a typical historic commercial district to gather visual behavior data. A framework based on deep transfer learning was proposed to analyze fixation time during dynamic visual processes. Correlation analysis revealed varying associations between time perception and fixation on different elements. Significant correlations were found between accelerated time perception and building facades, greenery, and store signs. Additionally, certain visual physiological indicators showed stronger correlations with time perception, with notable gender differences. This study pioneers the application of eye-tracking technology in real-world contexts to offer deeper insights into the relationship between time perception and perceived visual environments, providing innovative perspectives for time-based spatial optimization in urban renewal design.

Keywords

• time perception
• on-site eye-tracking experiment
• street visual elements
• deep transfer learning
• urban renewal design