Human-Centered Information Design for Toxicological Risk Communication among Domestic Workers

Abstract

Domestic workers are frequently exposed to chemical hazards during routine cleaning activities, particularly through the mixing of commonly used household cleaning products such as chlorine-based bleach, ammonia, and acidic agents. These combinations can produce toxic gases and harmful chemical reactions that pose significant risks to respiratory and overall health. Despite these dangers, information about chemical incompatibilities is often fragmented, highly technical, or poorly adapted to the everyday working conditions of domestic workers. This study investigates how human-centered information design can support safer cleaning practices by improving the communication of toxicological risks associated with household cleaning products. The research was conducted with domestic workers in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, where domestic work represents a significant yet frequently informal labor sector. The study follows a user-centered design process consisting of three phases: contextual inquiry, information design, and user evaluation. Semi-structured interviews and exploratory inquiries were first conducted to identify commonly used cleaning products and existing practices related to product mixing. Based on these findings, a printed visual communication tool was developed to communicate safe and unsafe product combinations using principles of information design and visual risk communication. The tool was then evaluated through task-based usability tests and a questionnaire to assess comprehension, usability, and perceived usefulness. The findings highlight how human-centered information design can enhance risk comprehension and support safer practices in domestic cleaning tasks. The study contributes to research on occupational safety and human-centered design by demonstrating how visual risk communication strategies can improve toxicological safety awareness among workers in informal labor contexts.

Keywords: User Design, Information Design, Toxicologic Risks, Domestic Workers

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008118