Author Bios (50 Words for each Author)

Dr. Ye Shen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Experience Industry Management at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Dr. Shen specializes in tourism experience design, destination marketing, and technology applications in tourism and hospitality. She has substantial experience in conducting research using cutting-edge technology in a research lab setting, and her research has been published in top-tier academic journals.

Dr. Marni Goldenberg is a Professor in the Department of Experience Industry Management, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Her research interests include outdoor/adventure recreation, adventure leadership, and outdoor and experiential education.

Dr. Lilli Kaarakka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. With a background in forest ecology and management, she is interested in identifying and developing real-world solutions to natural resource management in working forests across the West.

Dr. Hocheol Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Graphic Communication Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. Dr. Yang’s research interests include immersive media and communication technology, with a focus on motivational effects and telepresence.

Abstract (150 Words)

The management of recreational trails on forested lands needs to reduce the negative impacts of trail users but also meet people’s leisure and recreation needs. Sensory cues (e.g., interpretive signs and trash bins) are one of the management tools that park managers often use to influence visitor behavior. However, how the sensory cues can influence visitor experiences and behaviors has not been investigated adequately. Therefore, this research will use a triangulated approach including eye tracking technology, surveys, and interviews to investigate how visitors view sensory cues and the scenery of the trails. Experimental design will be conducted to examine if the messages on interpretive signs can encourage visitors to pick up litter, dispose of litter properly, and pay attention to potential fire hazards. This research will identify the factors that motivate visitors to have pro-environmental actions. From the practical perspective, it will help to reduce litter and lessen the possibility of human-started wildfires and to enhance hiking experiences.

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The Design and Management of Recreational Trails on Forested Lands Using Eye Tracking Technology

The management of recreational trails on forested lands needs to reduce the negative impacts of trail users but also meet people’s leisure and recreation needs. Sensory cues (e.g., interpretive signs and trash bins) are one of the management tools that park managers often use to influence visitor behavior. However, how the sensory cues can influence visitor experiences and behaviors has not been investigated adequately. Therefore, this research will use a triangulated approach including eye tracking technology, surveys, and interviews to investigate how visitors view sensory cues and the scenery of the trails. Experimental design will be conducted to examine if the messages on interpretive signs can encourage visitors to pick up litter, dispose of litter properly, and pay attention to potential fire hazards. This research will identify the factors that motivate visitors to have pro-environmental actions. From the practical perspective, it will help to reduce litter and lessen the possibility of human-started wildfires and to enhance hiking experiences.