Placards and hazard alerts: Adding visual communication to an environmental communication class

Placards, posters, and labels are required by law and used throughout industry to warn, motivate, and inform of potential hazards. Students in a professional communication course servicing RIT's Environmental Management, Health and Safety program were introduced to the design and use of these visual displays, considering their role, use, and placement. Students analyzed the impact and effectiveness of a variety of placards, including aspects of their visual design (typography, size, use of color, placement, balance, iconic significance, etc.), the intended audiences, and the messages the signage is meant to transmit. This paper examines the objectives of these modules, the methods used in the classroom, and their evaluation. It also describes how these visual elements are integrated with the traditional written and oral delivery aspects of a professional communication course.