Soap Dispenser

Synonyms / Other Terms Used

Hand Lotion

Category

Public Facilities, Hygiene

Message / Function

For notice in general and to show the location of a soap dispenser

	Source	Description
	LAFS	Side view of hand below soap dispenser, all in outline, arrow and drop between, two arcs on the right indicating sensor
	BS 8501:2002	Side view of hand below stylized soap dispenser, drop between
	Transport for London	Side view of hand below stylized soap dispenser, drop between
	CNIS	Plan view of hand pointing towards the left below stylized soap dispenser, drop between
	UIC 413	Outline of a hand pointing towards the left below stylized soap dispenser, drop between
	DB 2017	Outline of a hand pointing towards the left below stylized soap dispenser, drop between
	Design Circle	Side view of hand below drop, bottle with dispenser behind on the right
	Solid Icon Co	Side view of bottle with dispenser, liquid indicated by wavy line
	Pedro Santos	Side view of bottle with dispenser
	Avanti LID	Side view of hand with foam on top, four dots above

Note: Some of the examples shown above were mirrored horizontally to contrast differences.

Discussion

While several concepts can be found when searching for pictograms or icons available to show the location of a soap dispenser, many organizations just rely on variations of one image content: a hand below a stylized soap dispenser and a drop between.

In our research we did not discover any test data on comprehensibility of pictograms used to indicate a soap dispenser.

Recommendations

Due to the fact, that no data from research is available, and since we have insufficient knowledge of relevant factors, we recommend testing using the Comprehensibility Estimation procedure for eliminating poor variants and identifying the best of the set available, followed by a Comprehension Test. These studies should deliver useful data for recommending one or several pictograms. Detailed information about the most frequent responses given in each of the response categories of the Comprehension Test should be provided to correctly judge comprehensibility and improve designs.