Research on Metro Hub Station Wayfinding Systems from Psychological Perspective

Abstract

[Objective] In order to optimize passenger psychological experiences when taking metro and enhance the design quality of metro systems, using Shanghai Rail Transit as example, the wayfinding systems of metro hub stations are explored from a psychological perspective. [Method] Through literature review and questionnaire survey, the current status of wayfinding systems adopted in Shanghai metropolitan rail transit hub stations is introduced. Utilizing a psychological perspective, the metro spatial wayfinding system is analyzed from aspects such as visual perception, rationality and aesthetics, cognitive maps, and other elements. Improvement suggestions for the wayfinding systems in Shanghai Rail Transit hub stations are also proposed. [Result & Conclusion] Despite the existence of local standards and regulations, Shanghai Rail Transit hub stations, especially large-scale metropolitan hubs lack a fully unified wayfinding system planning, mainly reflected in non-standard sign design, low level of internationalization, and the lack of sign settings rationality. Furthermore, there is room for improvement in terms of people-oriented design. Considering the current scale of Shanghai Rail Transit system, it is recommended to promptly establish a standardized system for metro passenger service signs. This standardized system should be efficiently and effectively applied in practice, serving as a model for the standardized construction of metro passenger service signs.

Keywords

• metro
• psychology
• hub station
• wayfinding system