It will always depend on the process and what you are trying to get across. If the goal is to Identify/Instruct/Inform/Plan, then the order of questions might be:
- Can I use colors (green/yellow/red)?
- Is there a photo/graphic/image that will get the point across?
- If I have to use text, what are the fewest number of words I can use?
- If I have to use text, do I need to translate it?
As you saw in many of the examples, it’s often a combination of colors, images and text that works best. Try that as a process and see if it helps you decide what would work best.