Developed "Everyone's Pictogram" food allergy pictograms from a universal design perspective

Dentsu Inc. Diversity Lab's "Easy-to-See Project," in collaboration with the Universal Communication Design Association, has developed and released the "Everyone's Pictogram" food allergy pictogram from a universal design perspective.

Japan's Food Labeling Law mandates the text-based labeling of specific allergenic ingredients. However, text on product packaging can sometimes be too small and difficult to read. Furthermore, existing pictograms faced challenges such as making it hard to recall the specific ingredients they represent. Therefore, based on evaluations from user testing, pictograms compliant with universal design principles were developed.

"Minna no Pict" pictograms cover the 28 food allergens subject to mandatory labeling and recommended labeling by the Consumer Affairs Agency. They can be used in various locations and applications beyond food packaging, including menu displays in restaurants, web pages, sign plates in supermarkets, and caution notices on meal plans for nursery schools, kindergartens, school lunches, hospitals, and similar settings.

[Developer Message]
Art Director/UD Planner Kenji Ueda
It is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people in Japan have food allergies. ※1  Food allergies particularly impact children significantly. Accidental consumption of allergenic ingredients can lead to life-threatening incidents. We developed "Everyone's Pictogram" to create universally understandable food allergy labeling. We aim to make daily life a little more reassuring for those affected by food allergies—from children to the elderly, transcending culture and language, anytime and for anyone.
※1 Food allergy prevalence: Cabinet Office/1-2% of Japan's population
 

※Details on the production process using universal design can be found in the web magazine " cococolor " operated by Dentsu Inc. Diversity Lab.

■ "Everyone's Pict" was recognized as a Universal Design Pictogram at the International Association for Universal Design (IAUD) International Design Awards 2020.
Communication Design Category / Silver Award Winner
https://www.iaud.net/award/14663/

■How to Obtain Pictogram Data
Available for purchase via the Universal Communication Design Association website.
https://ucda.jp/research/minnano_picto.html