Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the unconscious processes underlying where and how users perceive safety regulations in sports facilities.
Method: A total of 40 undergraduate and graduate students using the fitness center at H University in Gyeonggi Province were randomly selected for this study, which was conducted between May 25 and June 30, 2023. Eye tracking assessments were combined with surveys and interviews to identify gaze behaviors related to normative and general safety regulations. Data analysis included chi-square tests, paired t-tests, and word cloud visualization. The study findings indicated significant differences in the initial gaze fixation areas (text and visuals) when different safety-guideline conditions were presented within one group. Although the difference in fixation frequency in the text area between the normative and general conditions was not statistically significant, fixation time and ratio were statistically significant.
Results: In the graphic area, fixation frequency and ratio did not display statistical significance, whereas fixation time did. Moreover, the comprehension time for safety regulations was significantly longer under general conditions compared to normative conditions, resulting in a statistically significant difference. An analysis of word frequency visualized in a word cloud revealed that participants primarily remembered text highlighted in red and color sensations. Finally, unconscious recognition points of safety guidelines revealed that 12.5% of participants perceived the entrance (entrance/exit), 50% perceived the equipment exercise zone, 2.5% perceived the aerobic exercise zone, 35% perceived the inbody and feedback zones, and none remembered the locker room.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the design of safety regulations should incorporate clear textual content alongside visual warning cues. The use of explicit messaging, color coding, and innovative presentation formats may enhance user awareness. These insights advocate for a more strategic approach to safety communication in fitness facilities.