Color & Usability Matters  From small electronic objects to
large airports, color plays a powerful role in helping you use a
tool or navigate a space. Unfortunately, color is only beginning
to gain recognition as a critical component in "usability." The
following information presents a few of the many ways color can
succeed or fail.  Color Coding and Wayfinding  Think about the
last time you were in a train station or airport. How easy was
it to find your way?  If you didn't speak English (or the native
language), were there recognizable symbols to guide you?  The
usability of a transportation center depends on how easily
travelers can find a departure gate, a baggage claim area,
phones, food and other necessities. Unfortunately, the
directional signs in most airports fail miserably - especially
those in the USA. By contrast, Shiphol Airport in Amsterdam is
extremely successful. Bright yellow signs capture the attention
of even the most weary traveler. Icons communicate where
languages fail. The image below d