Why Does DTPR use these Shapes and Colours?
Last updated
Last updated
As a result of the research conducted in 2019, a set of design principles were established to support the ongoing development of DPTR. These design principles also set a rationale for the shapes, colours, and approaches to accessibility used as part of the standard. (These are the principles also outlined in “Using DTPR” above)
The choice of hexagons as a foundational element in the DTPR standard finds inspiration in the historical precedent set by road sign shapes. The original system, devised by the Mississippi Valley Association of State Highway Departments in 1923, correlates the number of sides in a shape with the level of danger it .
In this system, more sides indicated more danger.
The circle, representing infinite sides, was allocated to represent the highest degree of danger. The octagon became synonymous with road stop signs, emphasising a high level of caution, while square and rectangular shapes were reserved for informational signs.
Extending this concept to the DTPR standard, the hexagon is strategically employed as a shape that emphasises caution and information. It serves as a recognizable and purposeful symbol that has ties to technology enthusiasts, inheriting a legacy of conveying importance and nuanced information.
Following this mental model, shapes for other concepts were also chosen to mirror use in public spaces. For instance, we represent attributes linked to data processing within a circle, symbolising their interconnected nature. To illustrate storage and access attributes, we employ a box shape—reminiscent of tangible storage containers—emphasising the concept of safeguarding and retrieving information.
Interestingly, The DTPR logo is actually an amalgam of all the shapes and layered notices used in the DTPR system!
Universal colour standards play a crucial role in communication, providing quick and standardized interpretations across various contexts.
Red, for instance, universally symbolises danger, immediate action, extreme caution, and emergencies.
Yellow, on the other hand, signifies caution and awareness. Its use becomes more context-specific, particularly in situations where caution is warranted.
Green, blue, white, and black are commonly employed to represent informational signs. These colours, in many instances, convey a sense of calm and are associated with relaying the most specific or complex types of information.
Colour plays a crucial role in signalling the nature of data collection within the DTPR standard. Based on user research, we know that people are most concerned about the data collection practices of technologies, in particular, they want to know whether personally identifiable information is being collected.
To highlight this key information, the DTPR standard uses colours in the following ways:
Yellow (#FFDD00): Indicates the collection of personally identifiable information. This encompasses data that may include various personal details such as names, IP addresses, biometric records, etc., which have the potential to identify an individual.
Blue (#36B2E6): Designates instances where personally identifiable information is collected, but no sensitive data that could identify an individual is retained.
White (#FFFFFF): Denotes scenarios where no personal identification data is collected. This ensures a clear distinction when there is an absence of any information that could be used to personally identify individuals.
Colour is inherently social, carrying with it a rich tapestry of meanings that individuals assign based on their unique experiences and personal beliefs. This subjective interpretation of colours creates a web of existing associations that can be harnessed strategically. Leveraging these pre-existing colour associations becomes particularly powerful in facilitating the adoption of new concepts, such as the DTPR standard.
Colour is meaningful and when applied thoughtfully, it becomes a part of the visual design to communicate information, guide users, and create cohesive user experiences. Intentional and consistent use of colour in a standard, enables essential components to stand out and fosters mental associations that facilitate future comprehension of similar information.
When incorporating colours in a product, it's crucial to keep accessibility in mind. Here are the guidelines that we follow to ensure that the DTPR standard is accessible for as many people as possible.
Designing visually impactful signs depends significantly on the critical factor of colour contrast, primarily dictated by a colour's Light Reflectance Value (LRV). This measure assesses the extent to which a colour reflects or absorbs light. While the Americans with Disabilities Act does not prescribe a specific minimum LRV, industry best practices suggest maintaining a 70% contrast between the foreground and background colours of signs to guarantee optimal legibility.
Changes in ambient lighting conditions can significantly impact the usability of digital interfaces. For instance, a web page featuring a black background may become unreadable outdoors due to screen glare, hindering visibility and diminishing the user experience.
It is essential to acknowledge these potential challenges related to ambient lighting variations and, whenever possible, design interfaces that remain adaptable and accessible across diverse lighting environments to ensure optimal user readability and comfort.
Globally, approximately 8% of males and 0.5% of females experience red-green colorblindness. As such, it is advisable to avoid these colour combinations when possible.
To create a more user-friendly experience for everyone, it becomes crucial to integrate additional differentiators, such as text labels. Ensuring that users can effectively interact with and understand the content regardless of their unique visual capabilities.
Fipps, K. (2023, June 8). The psychology behind colors and symbols in safety messaging. ISHN RSS. https://www.ishn.com/articles/113745-the-psychology-behind-colors-and-symbols-in-safety-messaging
Kohlstedt, K. (2020, July 29). Red, White & Sometimes Blue: How safety shaped the octagonal stop sign. 99% Invisible. https://99percentinvisible.org/article/red-white-sometimes-blue-how-safety-shaped-the-octagonal-stop-sign/
Wolfe, J. (2019, December 10). Importance of light reflectance value contrast for signage. ASI Signage. https://asisignage.com/2019/12/10/importance-of-light-reflectance-value-contrast-for-signage/
Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2007). Color and psychological functioning. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(5), 250–254.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, November). Color blindness. National Eye Institute.
