# PCS - PictoClarity Score

- Artifact: PictoClarity metric reference
- Canonical HTML URL: https://pictoclarity.com/framework/metrics/pcs/
- Markdown URL: https://pictoclarity.com/md/framework/metrics/pcs/
- Language: en
- Category: Foundational metric

## Summary

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.

## Formula Structure

`PCS = combine(fixed, context, culture, adaptive)`

This public formula describes structure, not private calibration.

## What It Reads

- 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

- 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

- 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

- STS
- CRI
- NTR
- ERS
- CBB
- CTS

## Citation Guidance

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