Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a first flow field plate (FFP), a second FFP, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) provided between the first and second FFPs. The MEA includes first and second gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and a membrane provided between an anode catalytic layer and a cathode catalytic layer. A gasket, provided between the first and second flow field plates and relative to a periphery of the MEA, comprises a first surface having a first human perceivable feature associated with the anode catalytic layer and a second surface having a second human perceivable feature associated with the cathode catalytic layer. At least a portion of the gasket comprising the first and second human perceivable features is configured to extend beyond a periphery of the first and second flow field plates.