Brightness contrast, color contrast and legibility.

Author(s)
McLean, M.V.
Year
Abstract

An experimental study was conducted investigating the effects of colour and brightness contrast, direction of contrast, and 6 contrast values upon the legibility of a circular dial. The brightness of four chromatic hues was matched with four achromatic hues. Hues were combined in all possible combinations excluding chromatic with achromatic, resulting in 6 contrast values. For both dark on light and light on dark contrast directions, the contrast values were equal. Half of the 24 subjects had pilot training and half did not. A Dodge type tachistoscope was used to present the stimulus conditions. Reading time results indicated that the action of colour contrast to a dial of a given achromatic brightness contrast value, with a light on dark contrast direction, will not degrade and may improve the legibility of that dial.

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Publication

Library number
3467 fo
Source

Human Factors, Vol. 7 (1965), No. 6 (December), p. 521-526.

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