The US Post Office is scheduled to adopt a 9 digit zip code. Seven alternative designs were evaluated for ease of copying and preference. The seven types were unbroken 9 (352641091), 5-3-1 (35264 109 1), 5-4 (35264 1091), 5-A3 (35264 A091), 5A3 (35264A091), 3-3-3 (352 641 091) and 3-2-4 (352 64 1091). The 138 subjects copied 1880 codes/type. The error rate varied from 1.0% for 3-3-3 to 2.5% for the two codes with letters. The 3-3-3 also was most preferred. For a 9 symbol code we recommend it be all numeric. The recommended grouping is 3-3-3. If the present 5 digits are to be retained unbroken, the new code should be 5-4; that is, the present code, a space, and a new string of 4 digits.
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