Nooree Na and Kyungah Choi, the Ph.D. candidates of Color Lab published an article entitled, “Adaptive luminance difference between text and background for comfortable reading on a smartphone,” in the International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. The study proposes a model of adaptive luminance difference between text and background for comfortable reading on a smartphone display, by analyzing the users’ physiological and psychological responses while using the smartphones with different levels of luminance difference. The empirical tests validated the adaptive model supports a comfortable reading as conveyed under both dark and bright ambient illuminance conditions.

Abstract

This study proposes a model of adaptive luminance difference between text and background for comfortable reading on a smartphone display. The study is composed of two experiments. In Experiment I, the optimal luminance difference is identified in accordance with reading speed and preference. On the basis of the experimental results, the gradual decrease of luminance difference between text and background is developed. The change occurs while reading the text, and the model is applied to various illuminance levels. In Experiment II, the effect of adaptive luminance difference is validated in terms of reading speed, preference, and brainwave analysis using an electroencephalogram. Empirical evidence confirms that the developed model improves physiological comfort and psychological satisfaction, thereby it has a potential to be applied to the visual display industry.

Full text in Interantional Journal of Industrial Ergonomics