Visual Ergonomics for Communication Design: A Layperson's Approach

123 Pages·2022·48.565 MB·English

by  Prabir Mukhopadhyay

Visual Ergonomics for
Communication Design
Visual Ergonomics for Communication Design reveals the application of
ergonomics principles in visual communication design. It enables the visual
designer to look at different aspects of visual design from the point of view of
the user to ensure that their designs are more user friendly.
The book allows the reader to apply the principles of ergonomics in dif-
ferent facets of communication design such as pictograms, icons and logo
design, product labelling, information systems in spaces, and visual ergonom-
ics in simple map design. An introductory chapter allows the reader to learn
the basics and principles of visual ergonomics and gives them an insight into
the probable application areas. Further chapters delve deeper into the topic
with each chapter ending with “Key Points”, “Practice Session”, and exercises
designed to help the reader to revise what they have learned. The reader will
benefit from coverage of visual ergonomics in icons, pictograms, and symbols,
product labelling, wayfinding in spaces, and map design which are all backed
up with examples and illustrations. Written with the layperson in mind who
has no background in the subject, this interesting and easy-to-read reference
addresses how to use the different principles of ergonomics in visual commu-
nication in a storytelling format.
With a narrative structure to the chapters and illustrations throughout, this
book is an ideal read for students and professionals looking to strengthen their
knowledge of visual communication design by augmenting it with ergonomic
principles. It will appeal to students and professionals studying and working in
the fields of computer science, human–computer interaction, design engineer-
ing, mechanical engineering, information technology, communications engi-
neering, and human factors engineering.

Visual Ergonomics for
Communication Design
A Layperson’s Approach
Prabir Mukhopadhyay
MSc, PhD
First edition published 2023
by CRC Press
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
and by CRC Press
4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
CRC Press is an imprint of Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
© 2023 Prabir Mukhopadhyay
Reasonable efforts have been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and pub-
lisher cannot assume responsibility for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use.
The authors and publishers have attempted to trace the copyright holders of all material reproduced in
this publication and apologize to copyright holders if permission to publish in this form has not been
obtained. If any copyright material has not been acknowledged please write and let us know so we may
rectify in any future reprint.
Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Law, no part of this book may be reprinted, reproduced,
transmitted, or utilized in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or here-
after invented, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or in any information storage or
retrieval system, without written permission from the publishers.
For permission to photocopy or use material electronically from this work, access www .copyright
.com or contact the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA
01923, 978-750-8400. For works that are not available on CCC please contact mpkbookspermissions
@tandf. co .uk
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are
used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
ISBN: 9781032436876 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032439419 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003369516 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003369516
Typeset in Times
by Deanta Global Publishing Services, Chennai, India
To the Lotus Feet of Sri Rama Krishna Param Hansha Dev …
Late Dhirendra Nath Mukhopadhyay (Father), miss you a lot!!
&
Mrs. Meena Mukhopadhyay (Mother), Dada, Mamoni,
Duggi, and Leto …

Contents
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xiii
Author xv
1 The World of Wonders, Origin, and How to Move Forward 1
Overview 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 The Fabulous World around Us 2
1.3 Our Senses and Their Role 3
1.4 Eyes the Most Precious Gift of Nature 4
1.5 Ergonomics and Visual Ergonomics: Where Do They Gel 5
1.6 It’s Better to Know about Where We Came from 6
1.7 Components of Visual Ergonomics 7
1.8 Where Do We Go from Here? 8
1.9 Can We Trust Them? 9
1.10 The Why and How of Information 10
1.11 Where Things Go Wrong 11
1.12 Role Played by Visual Ergonomics 11
1.13 Application Areas 12
1.14 Designing That Wow 12
1.15 Computer Workstation 13
1.16 Key Points 13
1.17 Practice Session 14
2 The Coding of Visual Information 15
Overview 15
2.1 The World of Icons, Pictograms, and Symbols 15
2.2 Approaching Visual Ergonomic Applications in Icons 17
2.3 Approaching Visual Ergonomic Applications in Pictograms 25
2.4 Approaching Visual Ergonomic Applications in Symbols 25
2.5 The Three Important Visual Ergonomic Issues in Text 27
2.6 Visual Ergonomics of Typography 28
2.7 Different Aspects of Typography 29
2.8 Jugglery with Type and Styles 30
vii
viii Contents
2.9 Case in Information 31
2.10 Read without Effort and with Pleasure 32
2.11 Be Careful What Word You Select 33
2.12 Key Points 34
2.13 Practice Session 34
3 Typography and Colour 37
Overview 37
3.1 Colour and Ergonomics 37
3.2 Trying to Quantify Colour 38
3.3 Typography and Text 39
3.4 Is Colour Usage Always Good? 39
3.5 Quantum of Colour Usage 41
3.6 With Colour Where Do We Go? 41
3.7 The Gross Structure of Visual Information 42
3.8 Ergonomic Issues in Typography and Layout Design 43
3.9 Different Ways of Hand-Holding of Users in the Ocean of
Typography 44
3.10 Colour and Typography 47
3.11 Key Points 48
3.12 Practice Session 49
4 Visual Ergonomics in Emergency Situations and for the
Challenged and Elderly 51
Overview 51
4.1 Visual Ergonomics in Emergency Situations 51
4.2 Visual Ergonomic Approach 52
4.3 The Challenged and Elderly Population 54
4.4 Visual Ergonomics of Product Labelling 55
4.5 Visual Ergonomics of the Balm 57
4.6 Visual Ergonomics of Pesticide Packaging 61
4.7 Key Points 69
4.8 Practice Session 70
5 Visual Ergonomics of Information Collection and
Dissemination to Users 71
Overview 71
5.1 Information Collection from Target Users and the
Challenges 71
5.2 Lessons Learnt 81
5.3 Users in Spaces and the Uncertainties 81
Contents ix
5.4 The Story of Mr Afu Who Wanted to Correct His Name
in the Taxation Certificate 83
5.5 The Story of Ramu Who Wanted to Attend a Workshop
on Design 86
5.6 Key Points 91
5.7 Practice Session 91
6 Exercises in Visual Ergonomics Related to
Communication Design: Some Directions 93
Chapter 1: The World of Wonders, Origin, and How to Move
Forward 93
Chapter 2: The Coding of Visual Information 94
Chapter 3: Typography and Colour 95
Chapter 4: Visual Ergonomics in Emergency Situations and for
the Challenged and Elderly 96
Chapter 5: Visual Ergonomics of Information Collection and
Dissemination to Users 96
Bibliography 103
Index 105