[ Framework Metric ]
PCS: PictoClarity Score.
A composite clarity score estimating how reliably a pictogram transfers its intended meaning.
Definition
PCS estimates how reliably a pictogram transfers its intended meaning across perceptual, semantic, cultural, contextual, temporal, and neurocognitive dimensions.
Core Idea
Recognition is not transfer.
Recognizing a symbol does not imply successful communication of the intended meaning or action.
[ How To Read It ]
What The Metric Measures.
The reading applies to the submitted pictogram, expected message, user group, and evidence window.
Overall communication clarity in the evaluated context.
How fixed visual evidence combines with task, culture, cohort, and support conditions.
Whether the result describes strong transfer, supported transfer, intervention risk, or unreliable communication.
High Reading
A high PCS means the pictogram has strong evidence of meaning transfer in the stated context.
Low Reading
A low PCS means the pictogram carries meaningful clarity risk and needs redesign, labels, context, or testing.
[ Limits ]
What It Does Not Claim.
PCS is not an aesthetic rating.
PCS is not a certification.
PCS is a screening estimate, not an observed human comprehension rate.
PCS changes when the context, evidence window, user group, or asset changes.
[ Examples ]
How It Appears In Reports.
A legacy save icon can remain visually readable while PCS drops because the source object loses direct familiarity.
A clear folder outline can score higher visually while still depending on context for the intended action.
[ Related Metrics ]