Enhancing icon communication of emergency notification messages on smartphones

Abstract

Delivering effective notifications during disasters is important for individuals residing in disaster-affected areas. This study aims to refine the visual communication within disaster notification messages by scrutinizing icon utilization. One hundred participants engaged in the evaluation of simulated disaster alert messages on smartphones featuring various icon implementations, with a focus on discernibility, comprehensibility, and heightened alertness. After the experimental phase, interviews were conducted to facilitate a nuanced analysis and comprehension of the respondents' rationales. Beyond examining distinct icon types, the data collected for analysis encompassed icon design elements such as shape and color, as well as icon placement within the message. The findings underscore the efficacy of employing situational symbol icons to effectively convey disaster scenarios, particularly by integrating commonplace warning colors, such as yellow and black, into an upright triangular shape to enhance alertness and utilizing red to denote the severity of the situation. Furthermore, through the application of repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), factors such as age and gender were found to significantly influence the recipients' perceptions of certain icon implementations. Specifically, the observed trend indicated that older demographic cohorts demonstrate enhanced comprehension of emoji symbols, and gender disparities were manifested in the interpretation of action icons, with females exhibiting a greater inclination towards perception than males. These insights provide invaluable guidance for optimizing notification messages on smartphones, thereby facilitating more efficient disaster communication.