The Influence Of Color On Warning Label Perceptions

    Authors

    C. C. Braun; P. B. Kline;N. C. Silver

    Comments

    Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Ind. Ergon.

    Keywords

    COLOR; SAFETY; CONSUMER PRODUCTS; LABELING; MEMORY; SEARCH; Engineering, Industrial; Ergonomics

    Abstract

    Current standards and guidelines on warning design recommend pairing the colors red, orange, and yellow with the signal words DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION, respectively. Much of the previous literature, however, has used achromatic stimuli to assess levels of hazard. Therefore, the major purpose of the present research was to determine whether consumer products presented in color differed in perceived hazard from those products presented achromatically. A sample of 33 participants rated 24 labels that varied across product class, signal word (DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION), and chromaticity. A composite variable ''perceived hazardousness'' was formed from the averaged ratings from questions regarding likelihood of injury, hazardousness of the product, and carefulness in usage. Likewise, a composite variable ''perceived readability'' was formed from the averaged ratings concerning readability and saliency. Results showed that labels presented in color were perceived to be more hazardous and more readable than those presented in black-and-white. Adhesives were perceived to be more hazardous than general cleaners, bathroom cleaners, and automotive products. Differences in perceived readability may be explained by width-to-height ratios that varied across product classes. Implications for warning design are discussed.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

    Volume

    15

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-1995

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    179

    Last Page

    187

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:A1995QU30300003

    ISSN

    0169-8141

    Share

    COinS