PERCEPTUAL FACTORS AND MEANINGS OF SYMBOLIC INFORMATION ELEMENTS. VOLUME I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

A laboratory evaluation of 108 symbolized and printed message traffic signs was conducted. Sign efficiency was measured utilizing five dependent variables. An efficiency index was calculated for each sign based on the summed values of the five variables for that sign. This index permitted a relative comparison of the performance of signs within each message group. The investigation also attempted to assess the effects of subject learning on improvements in performance for the measures employed. In addition, the empirical findings of the study suggested some crude but usable principles for future symbol design and usage.

• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Roberts, K M
  • Lareau Jr, E W
  • Welch, D
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 33 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Coding systems; Color; Comprehension; Computer programming languages; Design; Economic efficiency; Empirical methods; Highway traffic control; Legibility; Lettering; Perception; Performance; Signs; Symbols; Testing; Traffic safety; Traffic signs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Alphabets; Efficiency; Sign legend
• Old TRIS Terms: Composing
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00169224
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-77- 64 Final Rpt.
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 30 1978 12:00AM