Based on Science

At Hands Here, we feel it is SO important to ensure that the products we create are supported by science.  

Our decals and magnets are always black and white - why? 

Decals become a semi-permanent addition to your car and magnets should be placed in the same spot each time – how come? 

Children don't have visual acuity until at least 5 years of age and contrast sensitivity isn't matured until 8-19 years. Research also shows that children's spatial vision isn’t developed until between 4-7 years old whilst their temporal vision isn’t developed until age 4. 

So, what does this actually mean? 

  1. It means that children don’t have fully developed sharpness and clarity in their vision until at least 5 years old,
  2. High contrast is easier for children to see and focus on until at least 8 years old,
  3. Children between 4-7 are still developing their ability to determine an objects distance and position relative to themselves and, 
  4. Kids under the age of 4 don’t have mature skills regarding changes in motion 

All of these things are why we have created Hands Here. 

Aside from black and white being classically stylish, our monotone colour scheme has the maximum contrast, not relying on the varying eye development of little ones. Not only is there high contrast between the central image and the background, but the background and the contrast of your vehicle colour is maximised with the use of black and white.  

By having a focus point on your vehicle that stands out and that doesn’t move, you are providing little ones with a routine, safe space. We are not relying on them following vague instructions like “stand here” in environments where “here” changes every time. Given children don’t have the skill to accurately determine positions and distances, having a static anchor point on your vehicle minimises the risk of them stepping into the wrong area by accident.  

Additionally, if children's ability to perceive changes in motion is not developed, how can we expect them to be aware of other moving vehicles? We can’t. That’s why our decals and magnets are perfect – you can give your child an area where they don’t have to worry about the movement of other vehicles.  

 Black and white image of toddler hand on the white palm Hands Here decal, safe and stationary near the vehicle.

Sources:

Leat, S. J., Yadav, N.K., Irving, E. L. (2009). Development of Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity in Children. Journal of Optometry, 2(1), 19-26. https://doi.org/10.3921/joptom.2009.19 

Ellemberg, D., Lewis, T.L., Liu, C.H., Maurer, D. (1999). Development of spatial and temporal vision during childhood. Vision Research, 39(14), 2325-2333. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0042-6989(98)00280-6 

Bradley, A., Freeman, R.D., (1982). Contrast sensitivity in children. Vision Research, 22(8), 953-959. https://doi.org/10.1016/0042-6989(82)90031-1 

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