A study on signage design and synesthesia in senior residences

Abstract

Aging and aged societies have gained widespread attention across the world in recent years. In Taiwan, senior citizens will soon account for over 14% of the population, officially designating Taiwan as an “aged society”. Consequently, aspects of senior care such as senior housing and residential facilities are becoming issues of note. This study applied theory developed by Norman (2004) to the Chang Gung Health And Culture Village (hereafter referred to as the Village). We examined this case study of the first senior residence in Taiwan using Norman’s three levels of emotional design: visceral, behavioral, and reflective. We conducted case analysis, experimental design, and semi-structured interviews to explore and validate research results. Initial observations revealed the following underlying problems: poor pedestrian orientation resulting in pedestrians frequently getting lost; a sense of rational efficiency in the overall design; and signage that is difficult to recognize and remember. The present paper evaluates the visual effects of signage in the Village and then makes recommendations for improvement. These include the addition of curves and floral patterns to the signage system so as to cause higher levels of synesthesia. We also discovered that (1) the elderly do not have difficulty appreciating the beauty of western design; (2) figures, patterns, and numbers with additional verbal explanations can increase the likelihood of seniors receiving and remembering the messages of signage. These research findings contribute to improved signage design for the Village and other senior residences in Taiwan, as well as those in other countries influenced by Chinese culture.