Ergonomics Study of Public Hospital Signage

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Signage provides information and direction. It is important as a medium to show direction in offices and public buildings. It is more crucial for emergency services, specifically hospitals. Incomplete information and confusion of signage are among common issues being raised by the public to hospital management. Objective:This study is carried out to determine user height preferencesof Hospital Kajang's signage and to proposean appropriate height forits future signage. Approach: Thirty five respondents(20male and 15 female) participated in this study. They are aged between 18 to 60 years old with the mean of age at39years old. Their stature height and eye-level height are measured using SECA Stable Stadiometer.They are asked to give a rating using 1-10 scaleon threequestions to measure their preferences towards the present signage.The studied signage is also measured using standard measuring tape. The data is analyzed using SPSS.Results:It is found that 25 respondents(71.43%) agree to say that the height of signage in Hospital Kajang is too highwhile10 of them (28.57%)disagree. The signage should be10.5 cm lower from present height in order to optimize its function for both groups. The proposed signage height should be 187.5 cmfrom the floor. Conclusion:The present signage in Hospital Kajang requires necessaryheight readjustment to satisfythe majority of its staffs and visitors. The improvement is vital to ensure the signage meet the directional purpose.

Healthcare Signage Design: A Review on Recommendations for Effective Signing Systems

“…Tzeng and Huang (2009) claim that well-placed signage will help users arrive at the destinations with less difficulty and less questions to the staff. Basri and Sulaiman (2013) and documents such as Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 (Board, 1990) have specific recommendations for the appropriate height and placement of signs. Additionally, the norm ISO/FDIS 3864-1:2001 (E) (Standardization, 2001) provides a formula (Table 8) to help calculate the distance at which signs should be positioned.…”

“…This category (Table 9) is extremely important, as light can affect the visibility and legibility of signs (Basri & Sulaiman, 2013; Rousek & Hallbeck, 2011). The illumination of signs can be internal (light source within the sign), and it should have illuminated text on a nonilluminated background as this increases legibility and visibility of the text, or external (light source projected onto the sign) in which care must be taken in order to avoid reflection or glare, as shadows created by the light can reduce legibility (Ministry of Health, 2014).…”

“…Karimi (2015) claims that research has shown that various aspects related to navigating and the layout of the buildings affect wayfinding and can consequently result in navigational errors. Basri and Sulaiman (2013) say that the "frustration caused by wayfinding difficulties not only provokes a negative opinion of the physical setting but that it also affects the perception of the public itself and the services offered in that setting" (p. 264). Changing the design of signage can be a way to improve user wayfinding abilities.…”

“…Basri and Sulaiman (2013) say that the “frustration caused by wayfinding difficulties not only provokes a negative opinion of the physical setting but that it also affects the perception of the public itself and the services offered in that setting” (p. 264). Changing the design of signage can be a way to improve user wayfinding abilities.…”

Approaches in Evaluating Hospital Wayfinding Signage System: A Literature Review

“…It saves time and makes activities easier to complete. As a result, in public facilities, especially those with a significant number of visitors and users, such as hospitals, a signage system is critical (Basri and Sulaiman 2013).…”