BANKNOTE DESIGN: SECURITY LEVELS, ERGONOMICS OF USE, VISUAL SYSTEM

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to identify the key features of banknote design with regard to security levels, ergonomic characteristics, and the artistic component, as well as to analyze current trends in this field in order to develop a holistic approach to creating efficient and reliable currency notes. Methodology. The study draws upon the analysis of scholarly works by Ukrainian and international researchers who examine issues of security, inclusivity, and the visual language of banknotes. The research applies a comparative analysis of protective and ergonomic characteristics of banknotes in different countries, a structural-semantic analysis of design solutions, and a generalization of practical experience from international companies specializing in banknote creation. The empirical basis of the study consists of quantitative survey data obtained from a narrow sample of young people professionally oriented toward graphic design. Results. The study systematizes the key components of contemporary banknote design into three categories: security (security threads, microtext, optically variable elements, substrate materials), ergonomics (ease of denomination recognition, tactile features for the visually impaired, inclusivity), and artistic design (composition, color scheme, portraits, architectural and cultural symbols). It has been revealed that the integration of these aspects ensures both the functionality and durability of banknotes, as well as their role in shaping cultural memory and the visual identity of the state. The survey of design-oriented youth confirmed the significance of incorporating historical figures, architectural landmarks, and stylistically coherent artistic solutions in enhancing trust and aesthetic appeal of currency notes. The scientific novelty of the article lies in its comprehensive approach to banknote design, integrating interdisciplinary aspects of security, ergonomics, and design into a unified system, as well as in combining theoretical analysis with empirical sociological data. Practical significance of the study consists in the possibility of applying its findings by designers, printing specialists, and governmental institutions in the development of new series of banknotes that meet contemporary requirements of security, inclusivity, and visual communication.