## 1 Introduction
These studies have established a comprehensive evaluation method for signage visual cognition in tunnels, thereby corroborating the reliability of the visual experimental methods proposed in this paper [33]. A review of the literature reveals that current approaches to evaluating directional signage primarily rely on static images or simulators. While these methods could display specific scenarios, they lack the immersive and realistic qualities of panoramic video, making it difficult to replicate participants' actual reactions in real-world environments. Additionally, simplistic scenario presentations fail to capture how signage performs in complex conditions, such as crowded or intersecting pedestrian flows, where cognitive and behavioral responses are significantly affected. Static images or 3D models used for signage evaluation do not adequately convey spatial relationships and layout impacts, overlooking the dynamic nature of real-world environments. Field studies, though useful, often suffer from low data collection efficiency and high associated costs. In contrast, panoramic video not only better simulates complex environments and offers a sense of spatial awareness, but also effectively captures how signage performs across various scenarios, helping to determine whether its effectiveness is influenced by surrounding environmental factors. Overall, the use of panoramic video in evaluation offers notable advantages in terms of realism, dynamism, and efficient data collection. It also addresses several limitations inherent in traditional methods, providing a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of directional signage effectiveness. This study introduces an evaluation approach centered around panoramic video and traveler visual attention, thus exploring the interaction between pedestrian visual attention and signage evaluation. Initially, through virtual reality (VR) experiments and surveys, a comprehensive preliminary investigation was conducted at various transportation hubs. This approach focused on pedestrian visual characteristics to identify quantitative indicators for different categories and configurations of directional signage. The subsequent evaluation experiment design employed panoramic video and eye-tracking technology in conjunction with surveys to assess pedestrian visual attention to various signage effects. Furthermore, a panoramic video-based evaluation experiment was designed to assess pedestrian guidance signage. To investigate the relationship between pedestrian familiarity with the hub and evaluation outcomes, both baseline and comparative experiments were conducted. Based on survey results, an evaluation model for signage effectiveness was developed using the entropy-weight method and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This model analyzed pedestrian visual focus and attention to signage, revealing the intrinsic relationship between signage visual effectiveness and evaluation outcomes through quantitative analysis of pedestrian evaluations and visual attention. The experiments and evaluation methods proposed offer a novel and practical approach to optimizing signage in integrated transportation hubs. Additionally, a multi-task comparative experiment was carried out with case studies of Pudong Airportand Xi'an North Station to analyze the performance of different signage configurations in complex transportation hubs. This study examined the applicability and differences of directional signage across various hubs, providing valuable insights for scenario-based signage optimization. Thus, based on a thorough literature review and research summary, this paper primarily addresses the following critical issues:  
* Impact of Visual Characteristics on Pedestrian Evaluation: How do visual characteristics of directional signage (such as category, information volume, and configuration) influence pedestrian visual evaluation results within transportation hubs?