Table 5 Typographic parameter optimization for warning sign information Categories.
From: Visual communication design in laboratory safety effectiveness and optimization of warning signs
Typographic element | Optimal parameters | Cognitive effect | Application context |
|---|---|---|---|
Signal words | Sans-serif, 36-48pt, Bold, > 85% contrast | Rapid threat level identification, attentional capture | Primary visual field, consistent placement across sign types |
Hazard description | Sans-serif, 24-30pt, Medium, > 75% contrast | Clear hazard communication, memory encoding | Secondary visual field, standardized phrasing patterns |
Precautionary instructions | Sans-serif, 18-24pt, Regular, > 70% contrast | Procedural guidance, action planning | Tertiary visual field, numbered sequence for multiple instructions |
Supplementary information | Sans-serif/Serif mixed, 14-18pt, Regular, > 65% contrast | Contextual elaboration, reference information | Lower visual field, visually distinguished from critical information |
Emergency response data | Sans-serif, 18-20pt, Medium, > 75% contrast with high-visibility background | Crisis information retrieval, stress-resistant processing | Spatially separated, standardized location across sign types |
