While a variety of models and methodologies exist for the design of products, few have been advanced for the design of product accompanying information such as safety warnings and instructions. This paper presents a model for designing and evaluating product information. The model has five primary stages: Product Type Investigations, Product Use and User Group Research, Information Design Criteria and Prototypes, Evaluation and Revision, and Post Sale Evaluations. The model emphasizes the need to: a) design product information in conjunction with the design of the product itself; b) analyze product features which affect user expectations and behaviors; c) identify the hazards associated with use and likely misuse of the product; d) research user perceptions and expectations regarding product functioning and hazard characteristics, and e) evaluate product information using methods and criteria consistent with the goals of each component of product information.
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