## 2 Methodology
### Field Investigation  
Shanghai Pudong Airport was selected as the location for the preliminary experiment. Inquiry surveys, VR video surveys, and image/video surveys were utilized for research purposes. By comparing the outcomes obtained through different survey methods, the presence of consistency would suggest the feasibility of the experimental program. Surveys were distributed both online and in paper format at Pudong Airport. The survey covered respondents' basic information, their familiarity with and frequency of using the integrated hub, as well as their evaluations of the guidance signage. The survey was constructed using a set of evaluation indicators derived from the design principles of the guidance signage system, encompassing conspicuity, discernibility, rationality, continuity, and integrity. Consequently, in the survey design, the visual characteristics of travelers and the objective setting of the signage were amalgamated. The chosen evaluation variables cover facets of objective visual recognition, signage setting, and  
Figure 1: Study Protocols. information expression. The detailed connotation of each indicator is further expounded as follows:  
* Visual Recognition: Visual Recognition serves as the cornerstone for travelers to gather information for wayfinding behavior, ensuring that travelers can precisely capture visual information at first glance. From the perspective of intuitive visual effect, four indicators such as accurate readability, size, brightness, obstruction, and defacement rate have been specifically chosen. * Objective Setting: Appropriately positioned signage captures travelers' attention effectively. The strategic placement of signage directs visual attention in a focused manner, allowing travelers to promptly and accurately capture directional information. Therefore, three indicators such as the location and arrangement of signage, as well as the eye-catching quality of information, have been selected. * Information Expression: Signage conveying precise information enhances travelers' visual perception and streamlines information processing. In addition to meeting the criteria of being concise and clear, and providing accurate guidance, signage should also ensure a clear and consistent hierarchy. A judicious amount of information facilitates travelers in rapidly accessing effective information, thereby improving the efficiency of guidance. Therefore, the five indicators are concise clarity, guidance accuracy, information hierarchy, coherence consistency, and amount of information. The VR survey involves converting the captured panoramic video into a VR video and inviting volunteers to wear VR glasses for an immersive experience and evaluation. The video includes the guidance signs on the route from the arrival exit to each transportation connection station. Picture/video survey is chosen as the control group, and volunteers are invited to watch the actual video and pictures of the hub and evaluate them. Then, the evaluation results from the questionnaire survey are compared with those of the VR survey to confirm the reliability of the VR results (Figure 2). A total of 65 responses were collected from the field investigation. Among the participants, 55.38% were male and 44.62% were female, reflecting a nearly balanced gender ratio. Concerning age, over 90% of the passengers fall within the 18 to 50-year age range. The preliminary survey was conducted at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where the selection of both age and gender categories demonstrated a degree of randomness. Consequently, the distributions of gender and age were deemed to be reasonably representative. Beyond gathering demographic data, the survey incorporated a five-point Likert scale tailored to the previously outlined criteria for evaluating directional signage. To ensure the robustness of this preliminary scale, rigorous statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate its reliability and validity.