Tools for Symbol Development – Safety Symbol Response Taxonomy and Graphic Compatibility Verification

Abstract

Symbols and graphics are often used in place of or in combination with word messages in product information. This paper discusses two development tools in the context of safety symbols and warnings. The first tool is a detailed Safety Symbol Response Taxonomy that allows richer analysis of open-ended comprehension testing responses than that provided by the “correct/wrong/wrong with opposite meaning” coding used when determining if a symbol meets ISO 9186-1 criteria of acceptability. This is useful in targeting improvements as well as selecting between variants that otherwise appear to have similar results. The second tool is a method for verifying safety symbols or graphics supplementing warning text are compatible with their associated word messages, including guidance for categorizing open-ended responses. Practical considerations for symbol development and examples are provided.