SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION OF ABSTRACT CONCEPTS

Symbolic representation of two abstract concepts used in road signs, type of message and prohibition, was investigated. The use of two coding variables, colour and shape, was found to be unnecessary in most cases - the shape of the sign alone proved sufficient to convey these concepts. In case of the concept of prohibition, the two signs used were found to differ in the degree of prohibitiveness which they conveyed. The concrete version, which included an interdictory stroke through concrete symbols, elicited the most explicitly prohibitive interpretations. (a) (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00140139
• Corporate Authors:

  Taylor & Francis

  4 Park Square, Milton Park
  Abingdon,   United Kingdom  OX14 4RN
• Authors:
  • Jones, S
• Publication Date: 1978-7

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 573-577
• Serial:
  • Ergonomics
  • Volume: 21
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 0014-0139
  • EISSN: 1366-5847
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/terg20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Color; Comprehension; Design; Evaluation and assessment; Legislation; Shape; Symbols; Traffic signals; Traffic signs
• Uncontrolled Terms: Prohibitions
• Old TRIS Terms: Traffic sign design
• ITRD Terms: 6784: Colour; 9098: Communication; 2209: Comprehension; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 9034: International; 1525: Prohibition; 9073: Shape; 6288: Test method; 1544: Traffic regulations; 553: Traffic sign; 565: Traffic signal
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Law; Operations and Traffic Management; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00309623
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 22 1980 12:00AM