Davies, S., Haines, H., Norris, B., & Wilson, J. R. (1998). Safety pictograms: Are they getting the message across? Applied Ergonomics, 29(1), 15-23.
Davies, S.; Haines, H.; Norris, B.; Wilson, J.
1998
Davies, S., Haines, H., Norris, B., & Wilson, J. R. (1998). Safety pictograms: Are they getting the message across? Applied Ergonomics, 29(1), 15-23.
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This study set out to investigate the role of pictograms in conveying consumer safety information. The experimental work was carried out in two parts. The first part investigated UK comprehension levels of 13 product related pictograms. A new method of judging levels of comprehension of the pictograms was developed. In general the pictograms surveyed were found to be poorly understood, particularly those which were abstract in nature. The second part of the research investigated the effect of different warning styles on noticeability and intended compliance. This was tested using the new European Standard pictogram developed to convey the small parts warning on toys. The effect on parents' intended purchase decisions of different pictograms and or text messages was investigated. Results indicated that parents' decisions on toy suitability were influenced by the perceived hazardousness of the product rather than warnings, regardless of their design. The paper discusses the advantages and limitations of pictograms as a method for conveying consumer information and makes recommendations for their effective use.
Results indicated that parents' decisions on toy suitability were influenced by the perceived hazardousness of the product rather than warnings, regardless of their design. One of the main findings from the research was the problems with noticeability of the toy warning symbol when it was shown alone on the product. Fifty percent of subjects were still unable to find the warning even after having been asked to look for it on the packaging. noticed, particularly at this size. The results support the fact that pictograms are more noticeable when used with text and similarly that pictograms increase the noticeability of a text message.
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