What does the literature tell us about the design of information on labels?

Labels are becoming a key policy instrument for providing information to people. However, their development and implementation are only partially based on rigorous scientific evidence. The goal of this report is to provide an overview of the literature on label design to improve evidence-based decision-making, planning, and evaluation of upcoming, ongoing and implemented labels. We analysed 39 publications on label design applying an information design framework. We also developed a digital bibliography of 218 publications to gather articles on labels and with a focus on their visual dimensions. The analysis reveals four general insights: 1) While the intention(s) of the label originator is often mentioned, the way the label enables people to relate to this intention is not sufficiently addressed. An action-driven categorisation allows to better define labels objectives; 2) Instead of exclusively studying interpretations of isolated visual label elements, focusing on people’s actions and their context allows collecting more relevant evidence to design and evaluate label performance; 3) Labels should be designed as a service, not as stand-alone products. It needs to be conceptualised into larger information campaigns, and monitored after implementation;. 4) The review also reveals gaps in the literature related to the monitoring and evaluation of labels. The study provides seven practical considerations to design labels as effective policy instruments.

VAN DER WAARDE Karel;  HAMARAT Yaprak;  BRUNS Hendrik; 

2026-06-30

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC141008

978-92-68-40340-2 (online),   

1831-9424 (online),   

EUR 40748,    OP KJ-01-26-251-EN-N (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC141008,   

10.2760/5229560 (online),