## 4 Discussion  
Existing research has established a solid foundation for the design and optimization of signage across various application scenarios. To ensure the scientific rigor of the experimental research, a preliminary study was first conducted using methods such as questionnaires, VR surveys, and image/video analyses. This investigation demonstrated that pedestrians primarily focus on signage and gather information through visual attention during navigation. Building on this insight, visual attention metrics were integrated into the signage evaluation from an objective perspective [37]. This approach provides a clearer understanding of the extent to which pedestrians visually engage with signage features, facilitating more targeted optimization and improvement strategies. By aligning principles of directional signage design with relevant academic literature, a comprehensive evaluation framework for the visual effectiveness of signage within transportation hubs was developed. Traditional evaluation methods, such as field survey questionnaires and on-site experiments, are considered conventional and somewhat limited in scope [38]. Cognitive experimental evaluation methods, while insightful, often exhibit a degree of subjectivity and qualitative bias [3]. Additionally, these methods generally lack a comprehensive frame work for quantifying the effectiveness of various signage categories and configurations in guiding pedestrians [25]. In contrast, driving simulators, known for their high fidelity and flexibility, offer innovative perspectives for road traffic evaluation. Although VR technology could simulate real-world scenarios effectively, its use of VR headsets may induce dizziness and other adverse effects, thereby constraining the duration of experiments [39]. Research indicates that signage evaluation should integrate real-world or simulated scenarios to achieve a more accurate assessment. In transportation hubs, where the primary users of directional signage are pedestrians and travelers, it is beneficial to draw upon methodologies from driving simulations and VR experiments. Consequently, this study proposes a panoramic video-based evaluation approach. Panoramic video, with its high level of immersion, could authentically replicate real-world environments, enabling observers to make relatively objective assessments even if they are not familiar with the specific signage being evaluated [40]. Signage plays a crucial role as a reference for travelers navigating transportation hubs. Recognizing the significance of travelers' visual attention in wayfinding behavior, the paper designed a panoramic video-based experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of wayfinding signage. The evaluation system, established from the principles of the guidance system and field investigation results, encompasses visual recognition, setup, information expression, and visual attention. Pudong Airport and Xi'an North Railway Station scenes were selected as the experimental and control groups, and multi-scene multi-task experiments were conducted. The acquired eye movement and survey data were processed using the entropy weight and TOPSIS methods. An overall evaluation of different transportation hubs (Xi'an North Railway Station and Pudong Airport) was performed in a multi-task experiment. In the taskless experiment, Pudong Airport and Xi'an North Railway Station received scores of 0.648 and 0.479, respectively. In the task-driven experiment, the scores were 0.228 and 0.219. Despite evaluating signage in different hubs and cities, the results demonstrated consistency and scientific validity, offering valuable insights for subsequent guidance in signage design and evaluation. These results demonstrate that the evaluation method maintains consistency and scientific validity across diverse cities and hubs. The proposed experimental scheme and evaluation methodology prove effective in assessing various types and levels of transportation hubs.