Icons Gone Wrong

"Ah, the hilarity of icons-gone-wrong. This is pretty good!" writes graphic facilitator Jay Smethurst of Sente Co.

The government has designed a website, www.ready.gov, to help Americans prepare for a terrorist attack.

It proclaims: "Terorism forces us to make a choice. Don't be afraid... BE READY!"

At msxnet.org the writers struggle to interpret the icons, describing them as "another attempt at scare mongering in the style of the old 'duck and cover' advice after WWII."

On par with airplane emergency exit infographics, these images somehow make the scenarios depicted both ridiculously sanitized and ironically horrific.

A possible message communicated by the icon above?

"If you lose a contact lens during a chemical attack, do not stop to look for it!"

See more icons here.

From the ready.gov advice for surviving a biological attack:

During a declared biological emergency:

1. If a family member becomes sick, it is important to be suspicious.
2. Do not assume, however, that you should go to a hospital emergency room or that any illness is the result of the biological attack. Symptoms of many common illnesses may overlap.
3. Use common sense, practice good hygiene and cleanliness to avoid spreading germs, and seek medical advice.
4. Consider if you are in the group or area authorities believe to be in danger.
5. If your symptoms match those described and you are in the group considered at risk, immediately seek emergency medical attention.

Click here to view icons to help you!

Comments

[J. McAlister]

True. Vague information can be worse than no information.
BUT... here's the challenge to all y'all designers out there. There is a huge need for information that can be understood across languages, cultures, incomes, race, etc.
These icons are funny but they do serve a purpose.