Today’s post is a different them than usual, but still touches on an interesting design and communication tool…
If you’ve read any of my posts (especially those where I discuss design concepts), you know I’m a big fan of visually engaging training and presentations. This goes beyond presentations and training design, though. Whether it is a part of a presentation, included in a job aid, or simply communicating other information (newsletters, posters, etc), a well-crafted visual image can easily improve understanding.
Recently, my husband and I visited with a local healthcare provider. As new patients, we were offered an abundance of text-based documents explaining all sorts of programs and policies within the healthcare system’s clinics, hospitals, and other facilities. As I looked through a given pamphlet, I turned a page to realize the medical field uses a recognizable and well-designed visual tool to facilitate comprehension and communication: the Wong-Baker FACES.
More than likely, you are familiar with the Wong-Baker FACES, even if you do not know (until now!) their proper names. You have visited the doctor’s office or a clinic and seen the numbered faces ranking pain, correct? Zero face is smiling while face number ten is crying with a deep, intense frown. Developed by two healthcare professionals, this pain scale was initially intended to help children communicate their pain level. A child may not be able to rank his or her pain on a scale of 0-10, but he or she can understand the cartoon faces- happy to neutral to terribly upset. Since being adopted, medical practitioners have also found the Wong-Baker FACES to be helpful when treating patients of any age who may not know how to count or have impaired brain function. Further, the FACES can also be helpful when patient and practitioner do not speak a common language.
I had seen those simple cartoon faces many times prior, but looking through the hospital brochure with a trainer’s perspective brought new appreciation. They’re a simply designed, easily understood communication tool that will help nurses, medical assistants, physicians, and other caregivers assess, understand, and respond to patient needs. In short, the Wong-Baker FACES may be a near perfect visual aid and job aid. Do the job aids and communication tools you create facilitate understanding and help learners/employees perform their jobs in the most efficient manner? If not, find inspiration in this visual tool, widely-accepted among medical professionals.
To learn more, visit the Wong-Baker FACES Foundation website: https://wongbakerfaces.org/
