Accessibility: an AFNOR guide to harmonizing pictogram design

The voluntary standard NF P96-105 provides a framework for designing and using pictograms that are accessible to all users, with or without disabilities, when they need information or guidance within buildings.

Setting a framework without limiting creative possibilities. That is the challenge successfully met by the Standards Committee on "Accessibility and Quality of Use in the Built Environment" (The commission brings together representatives from user associations, design professionals, construction professionals, and government officials) at AFNOR, which today publishes the voluntary standard NF P96-105. This document, which is about twenty pages long (excluding appendices), will be useful to project managers and administrators of public-access facilities (ERP) in designing, ordering, and using pictograms that comply with accessibility principles for all. It is the result of a project launched in 2014 at the request of the Ministerial Delegation for Accessibility and user associations, and led by Unapei (Unapei is the leading French federation of associations representing and defending the interests of people with disabilities and their families.)

Minimize the risk of misunderstandings

Who hasn’t been confused by whimsical pictograms that aren’t immediately understandable, sometimes vary even when conveying the same information, or feature designs that hinder comprehension or contain too much information? Far from imposing standardization—even though the use of standardized pictograms is recommended—the voluntary standard NF P96-105 reconciles project owners’ desire to express their own identity with adherence to the principles of universal design.

Among the recommendations regarding the design of the “sign,” the voluntary standard specifies that pictograms must be memorable and easy to describe, without any perspective effects that could hinder understanding: 2D is therefore preferred over 3D. The goal is to convey a simple message, without relying on wordplay or using symbols that are difficult to grasp. Numerous guidelines are provided to help properly position pictograms based on the context and the information being conveyed, as well as their lighting (artificial or natural) or contrast (for example, outdoors, depending on changes in the colors of tree leaves or the presence of snow).

Voice-over for pictograms

The committee members outlined several requirements regarding the audio description of pictograms, a feature that is essential for people with visual impairments but also useful for anyone who has difficulty navigating their surroundings (such as older adults or people with intellectual disabilities). The voluntary standard promotes the judicious use of these technologies based on the type of public building and the specific context, and clarifies the legal requirements in light of these uses.

It also provides recommendations for designing audio announcements and encourages the use of simple words, such as “restrooms” instead of “bathrooms.” Keywords are also preferred over long messages: a non-exhaustive list of examples is provided.  Also available in the appendices are examples of pictograms to be placed along a typical route through a typical building. Finally, the guide provides concrete explanations regarding the disabilities or comprehension difficulties faced by people with reading difficulties or those with hearing, visual, intellectual, and mental impairments.