In this study we carried out impression evaluation experiments using the “caption evaluation method” in a Tokyo metropolitan area terminal “Station T”, and analyzed spatial elements that were pointed out, numbers of spatial elements pointed out and spatial impressions along routes of movement, and design elements and features of signs that were important for experiment participants. The findings from this study are described below.
(1) For participants who felt that they would easily get lost in Station T, "directional signs" and "map signs" were readily recognized. However, from the fact that those targets had been graded both with "〇" and "×", those are "items of consideration" that require judgment in the formulation of development policies, and systematic and useful measures are required.
(2) "Elements" related to commercial facilities, such as "stores", were all graded with "〇", indicating that the shops in the terminal station might be a landmarks for route finding.
(3) There were particular objects that attracted attention during movements in train stations. In particular, attention to signs in the middle of passageways was concentrated.
(4) Though the degree of importance of signs is high in stations, opinions on the current state of signs are varied, and the ease of movement depends on users' frequency of using signs. The ease of determining current location and the ease of finding signs play important roles in improving the ease of movement.
(5) Displaying destinations in "directional signs" and "map signs" could improve the "ease of understanding". About "directional signs", with the consideration of the locations at which signs are placed, big font sizes contribute to the improvement of "ease of understanding". And displaying information about the current floor in "directional signs" in the stations with multi-level structures improves the "ease of understanding". On the other hand, displaying the “current location” labels at eye level in "map signs" improves the "ease of understanding".
