Participant study / ST-25-009
Diagram Recall and Route Notation
Which simple notation styles make branching routes in abstract diagrams easier to recall after a short viewing interval?
Study overview
What the study involves.
This browser-based study compares how line weight, node labels, and turn symbols affect recall of invented route diagrams. It does not use real buildings, travel history, health information, or location data. Participation is currently paused while the study materials are reviewed.
What you’ll do
- Review a short sequence of abstract branching diagrams built from neutral lines, nodes, and symbols.
- After each viewing interval, select the route sequence that matches the displayed diagram.
- Complete a fixed-choice comparison of notation clarity and input method.
Who can take part
- Age 18 or older.
- Access to a desktop, laptop, or tablet with a keyboard or pointing device.
- Able to complete one uninterrupted twelve-minute session.
- Able to read the study interface in English.
Not part of this study
- No real building, route, workplace, residence, or travel information is used.
- No medical history, diagnosis, vision record, cognitive assessment, webcam, microphone, or eye tracking is requested.
Study steps
How the study works.
Please follow the steps in order. If you miss an observation, leave it blank rather than trying to recreate it later.
Orient
Review the task key and practice with one diagram excluded from the study sequence.
View
Inspect an abstract branching diagram for the assigned fixed interval.
Recall
Select the matching route from fixed alternatives after the diagram closes.
Compare
Rate the clarity of the notation using a short fixed-choice scale.
Information used
What we ask for.
We ask only for the broad categories and observations listed below.
What we ask you to record
- Selected route alternative for each abstract diagram.
- Fixed-choice notation-clarity ratings.
- Broad device and input-method category.
- Optional prior familiarity category for diagram or map use.
What we don’t ask for
- Real routes, addresses, building plans, location history, or travel records.
- Name, contact information, medical history, diagnosis, or accessibility records.
- Camera, microphone, eye tracking, biometric input, or device fingerprinting.
Sample questions
Examples of what you’ll be asked.
- 01
Which route sequence matches the diagram shown immediately before this screen?
- 02
Which node-label style was easiest to distinguish?
- 03
Was the task completed with a keyboard, pointing device, or touch input?
Method notes
Why the method is structured this way.
- Every diagram is invented for the protocol and uses the same number of nodes and route branches within its comparison set.
- Viewing intervals and response choices are fixed before each task sequence.
- The activity measures task responses only and is not presented as an evaluation of individual ability.
Limitations
What the results cannot show.
- Screen size, viewing distance, ambient light, and input method vary between remote sessions.
- A short abstract task does not establish performance in real navigation or emergency wayfinding.
- The current pause concerns protocol presentation and does not imply a finding.
Participation status
Enrollment paused
Participation is paused while we review the study materials.