Warning Sign Components and Hazard Perceptions

Abstract

Considerable research has focused on the hazard-conveying qualities of warning colors, signal words, hazard symbols, and text descriptions. Little research, however, has considered how these elements interact to affect perceived hazard. This study evaluated the effects of these warning sign components. 178 participants evaluated warning signs representing the factorial combination of two colors, three signal words, two hazard types, three levels of symbol explicitness, and two levels of text explicitness. Warning signs were presented tachistoscopically, and hazard perceptions were measured using magnitude estimations. The data revealed significant effects for hazard type, symbol explicitness, and text explicitness. These variables were also involved in significant two-way interactions. Previous findings concerning color and signal word were not supported. Findings suggest that designers should consider the explicitness of text and symbols when designing warning signs.