[Peace-discuss] public signs

[Wendy Edwards]

You know, I was getting interested in the idea of doing something
with LEDs (along the lines of the "throwies" at
http://graffitiresearchlab.com/?page_id=6 )

Wendy


On Sun, Apr 30, 2006 at 08:11:43PM -0500, Karen Medina wrote:
> With regards to public signs, there is a lot of research that 
> describes what people do and do not read. For instance, it is 
> much easier to read something that has all the same font 
> (especially the same size), sans-serif, and left justified. 
> Hardest to read is ALL CAPITALS. A huge font next to a small 
> font is only good for breaking up really long text (like 
> articles). Black print on white background is easier to read 
> than other color combinations. 
> 
> People often get overwhelmed by too much too read in public 
> places (for instance businesses often place too many signs at 
> a register with all with different colors and fonts and 
> different information, and then are amazed at how few people 
> read the signs and prefer to ask than to look for the 
> appropriate sign). Simple and straightforward is incredibly 
> affective.
> 
> To see any of this in action, just stand by a library 
> circulation desk and watch people ask all sorts of questions 
> like "where is the bathroom" to "what are the requirements 
> for getting a library card", and notice that there are signs 
> in plain sight answering these questions. It is not that 
> people are lazy, it is just plain information overload. It is 
> the simple sign that is easy to read (doesn't require extra 
> work) that everyone reads and remembers.
> 
> -karen medina
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