Proof of Concept: Use of Eye-Tracking to Record How People Use Exit Signage

Abstract

To date, there is little research concerning selection of exit paths in emergency and non-emergency situations. Whether an individual takes their cues from others, follows signs, uses some other unknown method or some combination of the three when navigating unknown structures needs clarification. We used a wearable eye-tracking system to record where subjects look when they are exposed to new environments to determine how they use their visual awareness to navigate, and whether they are using exit signage to do so. The system provides a video record of the subject’s point-of-view. This knowledge could ultimately help improve evacuation times and save lives during emergencies by allowing for better design of egress systems and/or models, particularly those where a subject has no prior knowledge of the layout of the structure, such as an office building, subway/rail station, or an airport.