A Cognitive Analysis of Wayfinding Expertise

Abstract

Expert and novice wayfinders were surveyed to isolate wayfinding expertise. The analysis of the results is dependent not only on typical statistical measures but also on information graphics that capture the subjects' cognitive problem-solving procedures and representations as they wayfind using a map. Results suggest that expert wayfinders possess an 'enabling' style of wayfinding, allowing them to look for problem solutions, make heavy use of problem-solving strategies, and avoid specific locational knowledge if within a known, bounded area. Novice wayfinders possess a 'preventing' style of wayfinding causing them to look for problems, use few strategies and wayfind by following a string of landmarks. Experts showed an ability to adjust the detail of mental representation according to the complexity of the task, whereas novices lacked both representational richness and the flexibility of the experts.