In her books on the Visual Workplace, Gwendolyn Galsworth describes a hierarchy of four categories of visual devices. She offers the following definition - A visual device is an apparatus, mechanism, or thing that influences, directs, limits, or controls behavior by making information vital to the task at hand available at a glance, without speaking a word. Libraries and archives are full of these devices:
1. Visual Indicator - (tells only)
New Books area; Exit Sign
2. Visual Signal - (grabs attention)
ASK ME Desk illuminated sign; Security Gate alarm and light; Book cart “Ready to Shelve” sign (kanban device)
3. Visual Control - (limits behavior)
Hand-truck parking lines; Newspaper display shelves
4. Visual Guarantee - (allows correct response only)
Computer logins and passwords; Recycle bins (poka-yoke devices)
For more on Visual Devices, see Galsworth's Visual Systems pp.26-39, and Visual Workplace p. 14.
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