Presentation
Evaluating the Usability of Portable Evacuation Signage in a Hospital Simulation Setting
SessionWednesday Poster Session
DescriptionEmergency evacuations in complex settings present unique human factors challenges to users when spatial familiarity and signage are limited. Research on dynamic signage and wayfinding under stress shows that supportive cues can reduce cognitive load and improve decision quality. This study evaluates whether portable grab-and-go paper maps or QR-code digital maps can complement static signage to improve evacuation efficiency. A mixed-methods design included a cognitive walkthrough and two stages of usability testing (N = 16) in a clinical simulation center. Participants unfamiliar with the study space layout completed independent simulated evacuation trials with recorded evacuation times, navigation errors, and completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) survey. Grab-and-go paper maps significantly reduced evacuation time compared to QR-code maps (p < 0.01) and static signage (p < 0.05). SUS scores were highest for paper maps, while error rates did not differ across conditions. Qualitative feedback indicated that portable maps supported confident decision making, while static signage prompted reliance on environmental cues under uncertainty. These findings suggest that portable paper maps offer a low-cost, easily implementable strategy for improved evacuation performance and may serve as an effective complement to static signage in complex environments and/or those with infrequent visitors.
Contributors
Event Type
Poster
TimeWednesday, October 21st5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Location