Visualizing Pedestrian Perception: Eye-Tracking Analysis for Walkable Urban Environments

Understanding pedestrian perception is essential for designing walkable and inclusive urban environments. This study employs real-world eye-tracking to investigate how pedestrians visually engage with urban streetscapes during everyday navigation. Using wearable eye-tracking technology, the research captures gaze behavior and fixation patterns across various streetscape elements including sidewalks, crosswalks, greenery, and building facades. The analysis reveals that features associated with spatial clarity and safety—such as curbs and well-defined pedestrian paths—receive prolonged visual attention. Natural elements like vegetation also play a significant role in shaping visual comfort and environmental appeal. Gaze data segmented by Areas of Interest (AOIs) shows a clear hierarchy of visual focus, suggesting that spatial composition and surface detail directly impact cognitive processing and navigation. Additionally, gender-based differences in attention strategies indicate the need for inclusive design that supports diverse user behaviors. By translating subconscious visual behavior into actionable insights, this research contributes to the advancement of evidence-based urban design practices. The results highlight how realtime perceptual data can inform the creation of more intuitive, comfortable, and engaging city spaces.