Examining Spatial Preference with Information Scape Using Partial Isovists

Understanding human spatial preferences is essential for designing environments that enhance user experiences. This study introduces the concept of the information scape to examine how environmental information cues influence spatial preferences. Preference data were collected through observational study in a fast-food restaurant, using partial and full isovists to measure perceived information availability and tradeoffs based on an individual’s line of sight and spatial orientation. Results showed a strong preference for locations with higher information tradeoff and lower rearward information features. The information tradeoff features explained up to 58.2% of the variance in spatial preference, whereas rearward information features accounted for 44.5%. These findings demonstrate that spatial preferences are shaped by environmental information, offering a human-centric perspective on spatial design and valuable insights for creating environments that align with human cognitive and behavioral tendencies.