Creative Design Solutions as a Class Exercise

Abstract

This article describes a case study I use as a hands-on design assignment in a human factors psychology course. The assignment is to redesign an exit sign, taking into account principles of visual display design and environmental factors that could reduce the sign's visibility. Assigning a particular object to redesign allows in-class comparison and discussion, and it is relatively easy for students when they begin to identify human factors deficiencies in everyday objects. Students consistently rate this assignment positively, and they especially enjoy its creative aspects.