The Hablamos Juntos Symbols Project. 12.15 Meeting Best Practices PAC Conference Call

1. segd Society for Environmental Graphic Design | December 15, 2004 The Hablamos Juntos Symbols Project. 12.15 Meeting Best Practices PAC Conference Call

2. 1. Welcome – Craig Berger • Purpose of the Call • Project summary 2. 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. Agenda

3. 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 Specific Responsibilities of the TAC

4. 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. Testing System

5. 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,

6. Testing for the Semantic and Syntactic Symbol Relationship. Testing of Symbols as part of a group

7. 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 Methodology for TAC Best Practices

8. 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. Philosophy 1

9. 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 Philosophy 1

15. 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 Philosophy 2

16. 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 Philosophy 2

21. 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 Philosophy 3

22. 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 Philosophy 2

26. 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? Philosophy

27. 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 Philosophy 1

28. Information Information Philosophy 1 Scenario One Information Information Information Information Information Information

29. 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 Philosophy 2

30. Philosophy 2 Scenario Two Information Information Information Information Information Information Information Doctor Blah

31. 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 Philosophy 3

32. Philosophy 3 Scenario Three 1 Information Information Information Information 1 Info Information Information Information Information Information

33. 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? Guidelines