  The integration of human-centric approaches has gained more attention
recently due to more automated systems being introduced into our built
environments (buildings, roads, vehicles, etc.), which requires a correct
understanding of how humans perceive such systems and respond to them. This
paper introduces an Immersive Virtual Environment-based method to evaluate the
infrastructure design with psycho-physiological and behavioral responses from
the vulnerable road users, especially for pedestrians. A case study of
pedestrian mid-block crossings with three crossing infrastructure designs
(painted crosswalk, crosswalk with flashing beacons, and a smartphone app for
connected vehicles) are tested. Results from 51 participants indicate there are
differences between the subjective and objective measurement. A higher
subjective safety rating is reported for the flashing beacon design, while the
psychophysiological and behavioral data indicate that the flashing beacon and
smartphone app are similar in terms of crossing behaviors, eye tracking
measurements, and heart rate. In addition, the smartphone app scenario appears
to have a lower stress level as indicated by eye tracking data, although many
participants don't have prior experience with it. Suggestions are made for the
implementation of new technologies, which can increase public acceptance of new
technologies and pedestrian safety in the future.
