Whenever I travel out of Switzerland, I'm always surprised by one thing: all the key warning messages are usually in just one language and just in text. In Switzerland, we have several languages, and therefore most of the warning signs are written in four languages: French, German, Italian and English.

The interesting thing here? English isn't a native Swiss language, but as we already recognise that we have different cultures within Switzerland, I think this helps us realise that people who don't speak our main languages exist.

Then often, we go further. We add a pictogram or illustration that summarises the idea of the text. Because hey, not everyone can read well, and reading takes more time than looking at a pictogram.

Example of such a sign in multiple languages telling people not to cross the railway lines. Image from Wikipedia

Sure, not everything, everywhere, is translated into so many languages. Still, the kind of stuff that could get you hurt or do something pretty stupid usually has multiple languages and a little sign added for clarity.

This is a first draft of a principle that might end up in a book of the "Service Design Principles" series.