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Abstract

Existing research indicates warning labels are generally ineffective due to users ignoring them. One goal of the present experiment was to illustrate the importance that warning labels be as salient as possible. Features of salience examined in past research are size of the label, location, bold print, etc. The present study tests the effectiveness of warning label color and shape in terms of subject compliance, retention of label details, and perception of danger level. Results indicated that a written label surrounded by a shape resulted in higher compliance than a label with no surrounding shape. Color had significant effects only when used in conjunction with shape. A red label elicited a higher rating of potential danger, with green next, and black and white the lowest. A red octagon was significantly more effective than other combinations in terms of invoking a greater retention of label detail and also drawing higher ratings of perceived danger. A neutral shape elicited both lower subject compliance and fewer compliance points.

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What Makes a Warning Label Salient?

Abstract

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References