An Exploratory Study for Evaluating the Use of Floor Visualisations in Navigation Decisions

Different environmental cues can influence our spatial behaviour when we explore unfamiliar spaces. Research shows that the presence of other people affects our navigation decisions. To investigate the use of this environmental cue as a navigation aid in novel environment, we first explore visualisations that represent historical presence of people. We carried out an exploratory study (n=12) to examine whether and how people understand and use floor visualisations to make their navigational choices. Results suggest that floor visualisations have influenced participants' navigation decisions. Our findings showed that implicit visualisations were difficult to interpret compared to explicit visualisations. Thematic analysis of participants' interpretations revealed a contextual interpretation of explicit visualisations and non-contextual interpretation of implicit visualisations. Additionally, thematic analysis revealed that spatial behaviour is influenced by several factors including self-centredness, environmental features and the presence of others. These design insights will inform the design of history-enriched floor interfaces that direct people in the built environment.