Follow the evacuation signs or surrounding people during building evacuation

The study was based on how people are able to interpret evacuation diagrams of buildings in the surrounding area. The experimental variables included the amount of time needed for a general member of society to interpret and plan an escape route. The researchers constant was a floor plan of a local department store that was used for the cognitive aspect of the experiment. This experiment was conducted online by researchers Tang, Lin & Hsu (2008) with the results supplied are as follows... “the time it takes to plan an escape route is about 1.1 to 2 times longer than its reading time” (2008:209).

This background provides the basis for this research by providing the necessary data that proves a significant time difference between the interpretation and planning of evacuation plans. This provides an argument that general members of society take longer to plan an evacuation route, which is a result of having difficulty interpreting/reading the diagram.

As architects, we have an obligation to provide a safe and easily accessible structure, which in turn, provides a space of comfort for the inhabitants. In contrast to this statement the research of Tang, Lin & Hsu, (2008) also shows that understanding the difference between interpretations by the general public versus those with an architectural background, an analysis showed that the general public takes 2 to 3 times longer than architectural professionals to read a diagram and plan an escape route.

To improve escape, diagrams may be a solution, although it does leave opportunity for error. Implementation of an easy to use, legible and trustworthy method may be the solution to reducing casualties during emergencies.

In conclusion, this literature review has given good reason for the exploration of a mobile guidance application that should reduce the reading time and planning time significantly. The interpretation aspect will be reduced significantly as the application will provide the necessary information needed for an efficient escape.

Follow the evacuation signs or surrounding people during building evacuation

Signage is a vital aspect when it comes to navigation. This is especially the case when it comes to navigation through a building. Room names/numbers, floor level, exit indicators, bathrooms, etc. are important to notice. During emergencies it’s of the utmost importance to have signage visible at all times indicating the exit, fire-hose, fire extinguisher, etc. although there are other external contributing factors that play a role during evacuations - one of which is people.

A research experiment has been conducted by researchers Zhu, Chen, Ding, Chraibi & Fan (2020:125), that aims to investigate the impact of surrounding pedestrians on sign guidance efficiency. Their research states that...

“In order to test the efficiency of evacuation signage, the traditional methods are video analysis and after-drill questionnaires, and the human factors are rarely considered.”

The researchers introduced three variables into this experiment namely no distributors, strangers and acquaintances. The researchers Zhu, Chen, Ding, Chraibi & Fan (2020:125)