title: Design Factors Affecting the Reaction Time for Identifying Toilet Signs: A Preliminary Study.
abstract: This study focused on the manner in which design factors affect the reaction time for identifying toilet signs. Taiwanese university students and staff members (50 men, 50 women; M age = 23.5 year, SD = 5.7) participated in the study. The 36 toilet signs were modified on three factors (six presenting styles, two figure-ground exchanges, and three colors), and the reaction time data of all participants were collected when the signs were presented in a simulation onscreen. Participants were quickest when reading Chinese text, followed by graphics and English texts. The findings also showed that men and women had different reaction times across various design combinations. These findings can serve as a reference for practically designing toilet signs, since design factors can lead to difficulties with comprehension based on reaction time measurements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan ylchen@mail.mcut.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Yi-Lang
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Cai-Cin
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Sie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003116:Color; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D011932:Reading; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013624:Taiwan; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: gender difference; reaction time; toilet signs