From: Karen Salazar <kls_1**At_Symbol_Here**COX.NET>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] looking for fume hood safety icon
Date: November 22, 2012 10:18:44 AM EST
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <CAA4EBLujPUPmR1g2hqOVfn3B0ufUPO9ySEDp42SsnWqY5ofPfA**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>
Demystify:
Kim,
I would caution against icons. When I was a graduate student in library school, I took a class in usability. We discussed the drawbacks of using icons because users interpret them differently. This would probably be a problem you might encounter since you are dealing with a user population that has diverse cultures. If the lab manual is going to be completely digital, then I suggest you consider creating a website for it and using the fundamental principles of usability as you go along (http://www.usability.gov/). Here is a website that was developed with such principles: http://lib.asu.edu/. We read a paper about its development in class. As you can see, the use of icons is minimal, while text is prominent throughout.
Karen Salazar
On Nov 21, 2012, at 2:20 PM, Kim Auletta wrote:
I'm working with our Chem dept to update their organic chemistry lab manual. I suggested they add safety icons to the steps to visually illustrate safety requirements, such as when gloves, goggles and fume hoods should be used. We have a language issue with some of our students and the manual is getting very wordy, so students are sometimes missing these important safety tips.
I can find chemical hazard pictures, PPE pictures, eyewash, shower, etc. I have not been able to find a FUME HOOD small icon picture. Does anyone have a hood icon they can share or know where I can find one?
The content of this page reflects the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) only, not the American Chemical Society, ILPI, Safety Emporium, or any other party. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. Unauthorized reproduction of these materials is prohibited. Send questions/comments about the archive to secretary**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org. The maintenance and hosting of the DCHAS-L archive is provided through the generous support of Safety Emporium.
