VISUAL COMMUNICATION IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SYSTEMS: A REVIEW OF UI/UX DESIGN FOR RISK ALERTS AND WARNINGS

Abstract

In high-risk industrial environments, effective visual communication through user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design plays a critical role in minimizing accidents, enhancing operator awareness, and improving compliance with safety protocols. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 82 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2023 to explore the principles, challenges, and innovations in visual alert design for industrial safety systems. Guided by the PRISMA 2020 methodology, the review examines five core thematic domains: spatial layout and visual hierarchy, multimodal and adaptive alert systems, cultural and linguistic adaptability, usability testing and empirical validation, and the tension between standardization and industry-specific customization. The findings underscore the importance of structured interface layouts, where high-contrast zones, consistent iconography, and top-down visual flows significantly improve hazard recognition and response time. A total of 61 studies focused on UI components such as control panel arrangement, button placement, and symbolic clarity, with 47 confirming that well-structured visual cues directly enhance user performance. Furthermore, the review reveals a growing reliance on multimodal and adaptive alert systems that integrate visual, auditory, and haptic modalities. Among 54 studies on this subject, 39 reported that dynamic, context-aware systems leveraging biometric inputs and AI-driven prioritization significantly reduce alert fatigue and improve reaction accuracy under cognitive load. Cultural and linguistic variability emerged as a critical dimension in alert comprehension, with 48 studies identifying misinterpretation risks when visual designs fail to consider symbolic diversity or language proficiency.  Finally, the review critiques rigid standardization practices prescribed by ISO 7010 and ANSI Z535, noting that 38 studies reported limitations in applying generic visual protocols to sector-specific environments. In fields such as semiconductor manufacturing, offshore drilling, and automated logistics, the need for context-sensitive customization frequently clashes with compliance-driven design inertia.