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1992
Conference Paper
Titel
Design and design evaluation of pictograms for communication terminals
Abstract
Pictograms are used not only to indicate locations and services (e.g. 'Meeting point', 'Customs'), but increasingly also in the operation of many technical devices. Well-designed pictograms increase the user-friendliness of devices, in that they give an intuitive impression of the function to be performed. Unlike areas such as menus, where there are well-established design guidelines, the recommendations for the design of pictograms are not at all clear. This paper maintains that pictograms must be tested empirically, to ensure that the association in the user's mind is what is intended. There are many pictogram evaluation methods, some limited in their range of application, and some having considerable weaknesses in methodology. A method developed by the Human Factors Technical Committee of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) is proposed.