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The Hablamos Juntos
Symbols Project.
12.15 Meeting
Best Practices PAC Conference Call
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Agenda
1.
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Welcome – Craig Berger
Purpose of the Call
Project summary
2.
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Summary and review of activities of the Technical Advisory Committee
Kickoff July Teleconference
August Teleconference Meeting
September 14 Live Meeting
December 1 consolidation of best practices
3.
Survey of the three design philosophies best practice projects from each of the Technical Advisory
Committee Members.
4.
Recommendations and discussion of best practices.
5.
Three scenarios for sign designs used in the testing process.
6.
•
Next Steps
Review of the testing process for the first live test on March 15, 2005 during the last live
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting.
Review of educational program utilizing best practices with the symbols design program.
•
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Specific Responsibilities of the TAC
The Technical Advisory Committee is sponsored by
SEGD through Hablamos Juntos with a generous grant
and support from the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation.
• The Design Charette and Testing Process. Where are
we getting our symbol support?
• The Testing Agenda. How specific testing will work
• What are the results that we are hoping for
• The Guidelines outlined by the Technical Advisory
Committee
• Print Graphics and Symbol Support
• The Educational Agenda
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Testing System
• Site-Audit – Establish wayfinding system before
and after.
• Focus Group Testing – Test facilities staff under
a range of qualitative and quantitative issues
including ease of installation and instruction.
• Random Testing – Establish a Benchmark, test
for qualitative issues under real life conditions
• Pre-Selected Group Testing – Continuous
testing to establish quantitative standards.
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Testing Approach
Pre-Design Base Test, 3-4 Destinations
All groups test symbols recognition in matching test
Stand-Alone Symbols Signs, 3 symbols
Signs with text, 3 Symbols
Symbols Signs and Cards, 3 symbols
Symbols Signs and Maps/Directory, 3 symbols
Symbols Signs and Exterior or Multi-Floor Test,
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Testing for the Semantic and Syntactic Symbol Relationship.
Testing of Symbols as part of a group
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Methodology for TAC Best Practices
• July - Overview of the Symbols
Environment
• August - Development of Initial Testing
Process and Approach
• September – First Live TAC Meeting
• November – Gathering Philosophy and
Options Information
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Philosophy 1
Philosophy One – Symbols as Vocabulary
• Symbols are a learned vocabulary.
• Design of symbols should keep in mind a universal approach
using consistent sizes, shapes and symbols appearance.
• Symbols are not the main feature, but balanced with text,
braille and other information.
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Philosophy 1
Design Rules
• Standard size identification elements both overhead and
wall mounted. Placement of symbols, text and numbers
consistent on all signs
• Consistent symbol sizes
• Information more horizontal than vertical
• All information has equal weight
• Standard symbol, arrow, text combination
• Printed Route Card
• Map of standard size symbols
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Philosophy 2
Philosophy Two – Symbols as a Unique
Design Element
• Symbols can be learned on site
• Symbols should be the dominant design element
• Symbols do not have to fit a specific design mold, but can be
adapted to fit the unique environment.
• Symbols are design features that can be integrated into
architectural and sign detailing
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Philosophy 2
Design Rules
• Various sizes for symbols elements
• Symbols can be adapted and integrated into design
details
• Much larger symbols than text
• Symbols often used alone for identification
• Symbols can be integrated into many print formats
instead of just one standard
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Philosophy 3
Philosophy Three – A Hybrid
• Some symbols have a high buy in, some need more support
• Some symbols are more important than others
• Redundancy of sign information is important to making
wayfinding work
• A wayfinding hierarchy has to be established first.
• For key destinations larger symbols are important, for
support destinations, smaller symbols can be used
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Philosophy 2
Design Rules
• Various sizes for symbols elements
• Symbols can be mixed with numbers, type and color for
more emphasis
• Some standardization of sign elements
• Print graphics can show symbols at different scales
• Symbols can be integrated into many print formats
instead of just one standard
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Philosophy
Questions on Philosophy
• In working with and in healthcare facilities which philosophy
developed by the Technical Advisory Committee most closely
matches your experience?
• Do you see any flaws with any of the three philosophies?
• Have you seen any facilities besides the ones mentioned that has a
sign system that matches or closely matches one of these
philosophies?
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Philosophy 1
Guidelines One
• Identification – Standard Size pictogram and text,
attached to wall.
• Directional Signs – Overhead and wall directory signs
with symbols equal in height to text.
• Print Graphics – Standardized route cards and
informational signs
• Map – Standard symbol elements on a true facility map
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Philosophy 1
Scenario One
Information
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Philosophy 2
Guidelines Two
• Identification – Large Graphics on a distinct background
and small on no type.
 Wayfinding Signs - Symbols much large than type.
Vertically oriented symbols to type.
 Print Graphics – Part of a business card or departmental
information
 Map – Large symbols integrated into the hierarchy of the
map
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Philosophy 2
Scenario Two
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Philosophy 3
Guidelines Three
• Identification – Two redundant signs. A wall sign with
braille and type graphics and an overhead sign with only
a symbol.
 Wayfinding Signs - A hierarchy of larger symbols for
more important destinations and a smaller symbol for
support. Number and letter information also worked in.
 Print Graphics – Specific Route Cards that show a
hierarchy in the facility.
 Map – Different symbol sizes represent important
hierarchies and routes
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Philosophy 3
Scenario Three
1
InformationInformation
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Guidelines
Questions on Guidelines
• Which sign type among the do you believe communicates
information the best?
• Which print information approach do you believe communicates
information the best?
• Have you seen a project that matches one of the three scenarios
closely?
• Do you see any flaws with parts of the three scenarios?
• Pieces from the three scenarios can be mixed and matched to
create a system. Which aspects of the three scenarios do you
believe works the best?
• Is there any best practice you have seen that is not part of the three
scenarios?
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