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Visuals are a robust device in our well being communication toolbox. They assist us convey massive concepts in a means that transcends language and cultural obstacles. And right here at We ❤ Health Literacy Headquarters, we’ve actually been digging a sure sort of visible currently: pictograms.
A pictogram is a drawing or picture that represents an thought in a easy, literal means. We can use pictograms to indicate beneficial behaviors, signs, and different well being ideas that may be difficult to clarify. They’re particularly helpful for audiences with restricted literacy expertise, restricted English proficiency, or cognitive disabilities. And as an added bonus, they assist us reinforce key messages for all readers!
Try these 3 fast tricks to create pictograms that may resonate together with your audiences:
- Use literal illustration as an alternative of summary symbolism. Some symbols or graphic conventions (like “Rx” for “prescription” or wavy strains to point warmth) might not resonate throughout cultures. So it’s essential to make illustrations as literal and concrete as doable.
For instance, when you’re making a pictogram to characterize sneezing as a symptom, present an individual really sneezing — not only a tissue field.
2. Incorporate practical particulars that help understanding. Use practical colours and embrace particulars that present context to assist folks perceive your pictogram. In the instance beneath, we’ve put the thermometer within the individual’s mouth and added flushed cheeks and sweat on the brow to extra clearly present that the individual has a fever.
3. Use a constant visible model. Did you already know that our short-term reminiscence can solely maintain a couple of visible components at a time? Interpreting a sequence of photos may be laborious for anybody, and it’s particularly difficult for folks with restricted literacy expertise. To keep away from cognitive overload (overwhelming viewers with an excessive amount of data), use a constant visible model and comparable characters throughout all pictograms in a single materials.
In the instance beneath, we’ve used the identical character and artwork model for all 3 photos to assist keep away from cognitive overload.
The backside line: Pictograms will help us talk massive concepts in an accessible means. Try these tricks to create pictograms that resonate together with your audiences.
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