Ensuring color legibility

Nilsson, Thomy H.

Proceedings of the 10th Congress of the International Colour Association: AIC Colour 05

Conference Proceedings

2005

749

752

Psychology

There is little systematic, valid, quantitative data on the legibility of colored graphics. Most studies based on reading speed found that hue had no effect because they were insensitive to hue information conveyed by slow conducting parvo-cellular pathways. Measuring legibility by the number of visual pathways needed for legibility reveals the contribution of color. The legibility of 100 combinations of colored words printed on colored backgrounds are presented - based on 48,000 measurements. Show moreThere is little systematic, valid, quantitative data on the legibility of colored graphics. Most studies based on reading speed found that hue had no effect because they were insensitive to hue information conveyed by slow conducting parvo-cellular pathways. Measuring legibility by the number of visual pathways needed for legibility reveals the contribution of color. The legibility of 100 combinations of colored words printed on colored backgrounds are presented - based on 48,000 measurements. To ensure legibility of colored graphics, we propose a legibility standard and astandard method similar to the 20/20 system for specifying visual acuity. Show less

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