Effect of Pedestrian Signal Display Methods on Perceived Waiting Time

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of pedestrian signal display methods and traffic environments on perceived waiting time. While remaining time displays have become common to mitigate pedestrian impatience, the detailed mechanisms by which different display methods interact with environmental factors to modulate perceived waiting time remain insufficiently understood. Using immersive virtual environment technology, we conducted controlled experiments to quantitatively clarify these effects. Participants performed a prospective time reproduction task where they encoded the red signal duration in a virtual intersection and then reproduced it. Two metrics were calculated from the reproduced durations: length (ratio of reproduced duration to actual duration) and variability (coefficient of variation). The study consisted of two main experiments: Experiment 1 analyzed the effect of four Display Methods (Standard Signal, Signal with Progress Bar, Signal with Numerical Countdown, and Signal combining both Elements) and Traffic Presence (with-Traffic vs. without-Traffic), while Experiment 2 examined the interaction between numerical countdowns and three levels of Traffic Volume (High, Medium, Low). Results indicated that the Signal with Numerical Countdown condition significantly decreased length and variability compared to other conditions by acting as an accurate external clock. In Experiment 2, a significant interaction was found where the combination of the Signal with Numerical Countdown and Medium Traffic volume maximized the shortening of perceived waiting time. This suggests a synergistic effect between the reduction of uncertainty via numerical information and attentional distraction caused by traffic. These findings provide quantitative support for treating signal display methods as effective design parameters, recommending the implementation of numerical countdowns to reduce pedestrian stress and enhance safety.

Keywords: Pedestrian Signal, Time Perception, Virtual Reality, Signal With Numerical Countdown, Traffic Environment

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007875