A long time ago, when I was new to the world of UX and trying to find connections to user experience everywhere I went, I wrote an article highlighting the usability of Mozilla’s Spanish-language website. I was struck by their ability to get messages across through images, color choices, and icons when words failed.

Traveling in western Ireland I was reminded of that article, and how fascinated I was by the concept of creating meaning through design. (I suppose it’s no surprise that I became a content strategist shortly thereafter.)

Across Ireland, and particularly in Western Ireland, where the main language is Gaelic (a language so utterly different from English we had no hope of understanding written words), we relied on road signs, many of which were new to us. The meanings, happily, were clear. Here are a few of my favorites:

Gravel may spit out of your tires

Road turns straight up

Cut to: Car in the pond