Analysis of Characteristics of Person Likely to Be Asked for Directions Using 3D Humanoid Models with Inviting Facial Features

When people get lost, what kind of person do they want to ask for directions? Previous studies have clarified the relationship between facial features and the impressions they create. However, how person’s characteristics influence such impressions remains unclear. In this study, we conducted experiments using stimuli consisting of twelve 3D humanoid models that differed in gender, facial expression, and behavior, and experimental environment was created in a Virtual Reality (VR) space to investigate the characteristics that make a person want to ask for directions. The results indicate that female humanoid models with smiling and expressionless faces are more likely to be asked for directions than those with negative facial expressions, based on Friedman and Nemenyi tests. The findings of this study are intended to be applied to the design of tourism guide avatars in Japan.