Nail

I recently flew Continental and was struck by how both their visual sensibility and their Boeing aircraft date from some time in the early to mid-90s. From the logo to the magazine, the seat upholstery to the inflight entertainment, everything was both weird and hilariously dated. And nowhere was this more apparent than in the various safety instruction graphics and video. Effective visual communication isn’t easy, but the consequences of getting it wrong are bad for both your brand and your passengers.

Here are a few examples of the kind of thing I’m talking about. And since I’m fluent in awkward, out-dated infographics, I’ve taken the liberty of translating them for you:

Exhibit A

“There’s been a horrible accident. The cabin is losing pressure and you’re facing certain death. Remain calm, and as a lite jazz soundtrack begins piping through the intercom, arch your eyebrows in unison with an air of aloof nonchalance before furrowing your brow and applying your oxygen mask.”

Exhibit B

“If you’re seated next to 80′s film icon Burt Reynolds, make sure he gets the window seat.”

Exhibit C

“Do not attempt to flush any beer bottles, letter-sized sheets of paper, or bottles of vicodin down the toilet. Instead, a small child concealed in the garbage receptacle will dispose of them for you.”