Han, Y.; Shen, L. and Yang, J. (2026) Minor adjustments lead to significant improvements: Influence mechanism of construction safety sign information transmission efficiency in the Mandarin context based on information coding processing. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – Safety signs are crucial for safety management on construction sites; however, their layouts are often inefficient, limiting information transmission. Based on information coding theory, this study examines how different layouts affect transmission efficiency and explores how image-text interaction adjusts information processing, reduces cognitive load, and enhances memorability. Design/methodology/approach – This study employed eye-tracking experiments to record the eye movements of construction workers as they read different versions of safety billboards, analyzing attention, information processing, and memory effects. Fifty subjects with construction experience were recruited to view the signboards with pictures. The study explored the impact of layout on the reading process and cognitive effects, by combining coding processing and cognitive load theories. Findings – Research has shown that adding pictures to a plain-text layout can significantly reduce the cognitive load on construction workers. In low-complexity conditions, the left image and right text layout reduce memory load. In more complex conditions, image-text interaction enhances information matching. In addition, Graphics enhance memorability by activating associative memory, while the interaction between graphics and text links safety information with construction experience, improving processing and retention. Originality/value – This study highlights the impact of typesetting layout on information transmission efficiency from an information coding and processing perspective. It provides optimisation suggestions based on the integration of graphics and text, offering a valuable reference for the scientific design of construction safety signs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | coding processing; cognitive load; eye-tracking experiment; information transmission efficiency; safety signs; typesetting layout |
| Index terms: | retention, movement, construction site, safety management, integration, construction worker, construction safety, complexity, methodology, interaction, experiment, efficiency, information processing |
| Subjects: | behavioral psychology, performance management, data collection methods, data science, occupational health and safety management, practitioner, environmental health, work location, organizational analysis, health behaviours and lifestyles, systems engineering, research methods, management |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Roles and Professions, Health and Safety, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Quality Management, Research Practice, Site Management, Organizational Design, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here