An empirical investigation on the impact of evacuation signages on individual behaviour in building evacuations

Signage is essential in directing individuals during evacuations, facilitating rapid decision-making in large, complex environments where multiple exits or routes may be available. Virtual reality experiments involving 185 participants were conducted to examine the effects of various ground and wall sign placements including separation distances, sign heights, and exit sign positioning on evacuation dynamics such as route choice, walking speed, travel distance, and evacuation efficiency. Findings indicate that wider ground sign spacing reduces route adherence, likely due to decreased visibility and continuity of guidance, leading participants to rely on alternative navigation cues or personal judgment. While ground sign separation was found to influence movement velocity and travel distance, wall sign spacing did not significantly impact adherence rates, with participants demonstrating 100 % compliance irrespective of spacing. However, wall sign height was associated with improved evacuation efficiency, as higher placements led to shorter evacuation times. Additionally, the presence of ground signs increased the likelihood of participants taking a direct route, reinforcing the importance of additional navigational cues. Exit sign placement showed limited influence on behaviour, as participants were more likely to rely on spatial cues, such as the corridor's end, rather than signage alone. This research highlights the role of optimized, visible, and strategically placed signage in enhancing evacuation guidance, while also illustrating the potential of virtual Reality technology as a versatile tool for studying complex evacuation behaviours. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.