Improving and analyzing signage within a healthcare setting

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Visual Perception
• Healthcare Design

Background:

• Healthcare facilities increasingly use pictograms for wayfinding.
• Effective signage is crucial for patient and visitor navigation.
• Visual impairments can significantly impact pictogram comprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze standardized healthcare pictograms.
• To assess the impact of color contrast and complexity on recognition.
• To evaluate pictogram effectiveness for individuals with normal and impaired vision.

Main Methods:

• Fifty participants (25 male, 25 female) completed a signage recognition questionnaire.
• Participants identified pictograms while wearing vision simulators.
• Simulators represented specific visual impairments to mimic real-world conditions.

Main Results:

• Color contrast, complexity, and orientation affect pictogram comprehension for all visual abilities.
• High-contrast signage with clear, human-figure pictograms (not overly detailed or abstract) demonstrated highest identifiability.
• Specific design elements can hinder or aid signage recognition.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of healthcare signage is recommended for efficient wayfinding.
• Clear, high-contrast pictograms with human figures enhance cognitive processing.
• Implementing these principles creates a more universal and effective healthcare navigation system.