Dynamic Evacuation Guidance System
Design
Developing an Intelligent Visual Interface for Disaster Response
In fire emergencies, evacuation behavior is heavily influenced by panic and situational complexity. Traditional static signage cannot adapt to real-time conditions or emotional states.
This project introduces an intelligent dynamic pictogram system integrating UI/UX principles and motion-based design, providing adaptive evacuation guidance that enhances comprehension, emotional reassurance, and behavioral response during critical moments.
Year:
2022-2024
UX Design Process
1/ Methodology
The project followed the Double Diamond Design Framework — Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver, ensuring a research-driven, human-centered approach.
2/ Discover - In-depth Interviews & Define
One-on-one interviews were conducted with individuals who had participated in fire drills or real evacuations to understand their fear response and decision-making. Key findings included:
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Information Overload — Too many messages at once.
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Unclear Urgency Levels — No visual hierarchy between danger and safety cues.
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Low Response Motivation — Static signs fail to capture attention under stress.
3/ Develop
Two contextual evacuation scenarios were designed and tested:
Guided Evacuation Scene —
Directional cues with dynamic arrows and adaptive exit signs responding to hazard zones.
Shelter-in-Place Scene —
Emotionally stabilizing interface using soft transitions, calming color rhythms, and messages such as “close the door” or “seek windowed shelter.”
Focus group usability tests helped refine animation timing, contrast, and clarity across both scenarios.
The main purpose of Experiment 1 Questionnaire is to explore “A Study on the Color Schemes of Disaster Guidance Pictogram Indicator Systems.”
Its objective is to understand the meanings represented by pictograms used in fire evacuation guidance signs and to assess the appropriateness of their color configurations.
4/ Deliver
Integrated findings into a UI/UX Design Guideline covering:
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Color & form (CNS1306 Safety Standard)
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Motion pacing & visual rhythm
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Symbol transition and hierarchy rules
Spatial Setup & Experience Testing
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The project was implemented and tested at the Smoke Tunnel Simulation Lab in the Taipei Neihu Disaster Prevention Education Center.
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A 9.7-inch iPad was mounted over existing signage to simulate both “smoke” and “no-smoke” conditions, allowing participants to experience two distinct evacuation modes with dynamic pacing and emotional feedback.
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A mobile interface prototype was also developed to extend the system into handheld applications, supporting users during power outages or low visibility with synchronized escape routes and contextual guidance.
Design Value
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By integrating UX research, scenario design, and field validation, this project proposes an extensible model for intelligent disaster signage.
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It reframes emergency communication through experience-driven safety design, where emotional reassurance and actionable guidance coexist seamlessly.