Smoth-Jackson listed factors that need to be considered when transferring a warning system into a culture different from the one in which the warning was developed. These factors apply to other decision support aids as well. The author is from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Element
Test
wording
recognition and comprehension of message
symbols
recognition and interpretation of meaning
colors
recognition and comprehension of message
overall content
recognition and comprehension of message
environment of use
physical environment (lighting, noise, temperature, moisture, etc.)
cultural difference and attitudes
differences that may impact message and how it is responded to
skills level of target audience
literacy, training and experience of people who will be using the resource
orientation requirement
training required before it can be used effectively
For each element:
(1) Is it effective in the new environment?
(2) Are there negative connotations in the message that may offend the target audience or make it less effective?
(3) Is there a better way of conveying the message to make it more effective?
Additional items to consider (not in original table):
(1) language dialect chosen for use
(2) availability of resources
(3) impact of different diagnostic methods (such as units, reference ranges and decision level cutoffs)
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