Sauman Chu

Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Perception of Symbols

Abstract This study intended to measure the level of visual understanding of symbols between students in Hong Kong and the United States. The objectives are to investigate possible differences in visual perception and comprehension of symbols and to measure subjects’ level of knowledge about their own cultural images, as well as images of another culture. Twenty business and national symbols-ten from the U.S. and ten from Hong Kong-and an accompanying survey were presented to one hundred and twenty graphic design students at the University of Minnesota and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. There was significant interaction between different nationalities and the perception of symbols.

A Model for Visual Communication Design: Connecting Theories of Rhetoric, Literacy and Design

ABSTRACT This paper proposes a model for visual communication design that builds on theories of rhetoric and functional literacy. It begins by analysing literature about the interrelationships between design and the theories of rhetoric and functional literacy. Then, a detailed revision of their components serves to develop a transdisciplinary model. Structural similarities among the theories allowed for comparison and identification of relevant elements in four categories: creator/producer, design method, visual information and audience. Finally, a model is proposed selecting the most relevant components for analysis and research in visual communication design.

Smart Housing: An Intelligent Environment for Aging Independently

The purpose of The Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future project was to demonstrate how good design, assistive technology, and well-planned community amenities, support independent living as well as increase usability across the lifespan. We used a variety of strategies to share information on smart design to Baby Boomers. A 1,300 square foot exhibition, designed as a home, allowed visitors to tryout assistive technology and observe structural innovations. Workshops explored innovative design for (a) consumers and caregivers; (b) developers, remodelers, contractors, and designers; and, (c) community planners and policy makers. A Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future website provides free, downloadable activities and information to Baby Boomers and encourage community conversations. The paper describes various aspects of the project and summarizes participants’ reactions to the content; the paper also explores implications for designers and planners interested in creating intelligent environments. The project inspired participants to think about strategies for improving the built environment. Multiple outreach formats, an interactive exhibition, workshops, and an interactive website, helped us to reach the Baby Boomer cohort.

Designing multilingual communications

Focus groups of recent Hmong and Somali immigrants provided information about effective design variables for public service brochures. Each immigrant group participated in two sessions. The first session queried subjects on preferences for layout and bilingual text, and appropriate fonts and images. During the second session participants reacted to several variations of a brochure that was designed using findings from the first session. Both Hmong and Somali participants preferred a bilingual layout including both their language and English. Font legibility was important; good contrast between letterforms and background was essential. Images uses should respect cultural expectations. The Hmong participants did not respond favorably to images showing native dress, while images of Somali immigrants must respect cultural aspects of dress.

The importance of transplant program measures: Surveys of 3 national patient advocacy groups

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) provides federally mandated program‐specific transplant data to the public. Currently, there is little understanding of how different program measures are prioritized by patients in selecting a program for transplantation. This study recruited 479 transplant advocacy group members from mailing lists and social media of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), transplant families (TF), and Transplant Recipient International Organization (TRIO). Survey participants identified how many different programs would be reasonable to consider and viewed four measures that have recently been displayed on SRTR public search result websites and six measures not recently displayed and indicated importance on a 5‐point scale. Four hundred two completed the survey (TF = 26; TRIO = 34; NKF = 342). Seventy‐eight percent indicated that considering more than one program would be reasonable. Linear mixed models adjusted for organization, education, and gender. Likert scores for pretransplant (transplant rate) and transplant volume measures were similar and were very or extremely important to over 80% of participants. Posttransplant (survival after transplant) was rated as 0.52 points higher, confidence interval (0.41, 0.64). Results indicate that many patient advocacy group members find a choice between two or more programs reasonable and value multiple measures when assessing programs where they may want to undergo transplantation.

Application of rhetorical appeals in interactive design for health

The theory of rhetoric could provide critical foundations for interactive design. One core idea of rhetoric is the rhetorical appeals, which include logos, pathos, and ethos. The authors report a research-based design project with reflections from the design process and usability evaluations. The project explored the application of the rhetorical appeals in the design of a mobile web application for childhood obesity prevention.