Evaluation of a set of graphic symbols.

To evaluate the efficiency of a coherent set of graphic symbols for public information in railway stations, a matching procedure was used, in which a referent was specified to respondents, and they were asked to select the appropriate symbol from the complete set of symbols shown to them. Data were collected in such a way that the effects of age and travel experience could be evaluated separately. A total of 29 symbols was evaluated using 11 600 railway passengers as respondents. The results show that only half the number of symbols meet a criterion of 67% correct responses. Both increasing age and a low level of travel experience have a deteriorating effect on the understanding of the symbols. In addition to the percentage correct responses, analysis of the confusions between referents and symbols allows a more detailed assessment of the causes of a low efficiency of a symbol or a group of symbols. It is demonstrated that, based mainly on the measured confusions between symbols, proposals for the redesign of symbols can be formulated.