Hi John:
> My point is that, if attention-demanding words of differing intensity
> are considered necessary, how can they be chosen, other than the way
> they are at present?
>
> Of course, you may deny that differing intensity is necessary, so that
> only one word is required, but I am not sure that there would be a lot
> of support for that.
I do not deny that warnings have different degrees
of importance.
I do believe that the standards-made signal-word
intensity classification is largely ineffective in
conveying the degree of importance of the warning.
I believe the graphics of the presentation can be
much more effective in setting the degree of importance
of the warning text than can the signal word. For
example, black text on yellow background, or white text
on red background. A box around the warning. The
"STOP" in white on an red octaganol background as a
part of a warning is also a good attention-getter. Etc.
I do agree with your assessment that there will be
little or no support to abandon the signal-word
standardization. We have faith that these words do
indeed operate as defined in the standard.
I believe we have put way too much effort into the
signal word issue and not enough effort into classifying
the degree of importance of warning messages or dealing
with what must be said in a warning message, or
standardizing the graphics and colors of warning messages.
Most warnings are ignored because we use warnings
indiscriminately. Like the story of the boy who cried
"Wolf!" we have diminished the effectiveness of warnings
by repeated and excessive use of marginally important
warnings.
A warning is a crutch against a design that is not
safe. A safely designed product does not require any
warnings. A warning message should be quite rare, and
then very carefully applied so as to maximize its
effectiveness. Focus on a signal word keeps us from
addressing the really important parts of a warning
message (and makes our job much easier because we don't
have to deal with clear text, graphic presentation,
and color).
Best regards,
Rich
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