Visual and non-verbal communication

Here, the main concern is with linguistic communication in speech, writing, words and sentences. Other types of communication include visual, iconic, or symbolic messages, or non-linguistic sounds and gestures. Successful product design requires careful consideration of the many alternative types of communication.

Impairment and communication

Communication can be affected by impairment of the functions necessary for communicating.

• Hearing impairments can cause difficulties with understanding verbal communication, and also generating speech
• Visual impairments will affect the ability to read, and to interpret lip movements. They also affect the ability to detect and interpret other non-verbal communications that accompany speech
• Cognitive impairments can affect the quality and quantity of linguistic capability
• Language impairments may include a reduced vocabulary, or a poor understaning of words and grammar

In addition, variation in language skills across the population results in the need to accommodate a wide spectrum of vocabulary and competency in grammar when designing products. For more information on communication and language, see Harley (2001) Harley T (2001) The Psychology of Language: From Data to Theory. Psychology press, Hove, UK