Contribution of graphic design and ergonomics to an inclusive industrial language

Abstract

This article presents the development of a Communication System, intended for hearing and hearing impaired, literate and semiliterate users, to be used in the exercise of Production Activities, i.e., those that assist in the training to fulfill tasks, meet production goals, control productivity, among others, specifically on the factory floor. The objectives were: A) to provide inclusion and citizenship through communication at work; b) improve the graphic-visual communication system on the factory floor; c) rescue the graphicvisual communication through signs. Linguistic and design research pointed out communicational problems in situations involving people with disabilities in the work environment, mainly the graphicverbal language in the case of the hearing impaired and the semiliterate, and also, the little participation of communication/graphic design to minimize communication constraints. A Production Language System grouping graphic-verbal, graphic-visual, and gestural-visual information was proposed for application in: A) a Computer Program that synchronizes Service Order and Work Process; b) Primers for worker training and c) a Sign System for the factory floor of a company from the metal-mechanic sector that employs people with physical/mental, mental and hearing disabilities. The system has been tested and approved by hearing impaired people but needs to be evaluated in everyday practice.