Effect of Lights and Colors on the Environmental Perception and Legibility Using Augmented Reality Technology

Abstract

One's cognitive perception of the environs is in direct relationship with their subjective mental image of the surroundings. Various elements influence the perception and legibility of the environment before human mind. Among these elements are the light and color of the environs. The question is which light or color spectrum is capable of heightening the legibility and spatial perception of the given environment for users. Considering that, the aim of the present study is first to examine the effect of lights and colors on the legibility rate of interior spaces, and then, to identify the reasons users have chosen them. To this end, authors have used augmented reality technology to simulate a variety of environments based on different light and color parameters. A group of 120 students from the Faculty of Art and Architecture of Islamic Azad University, West Tehran Branch, collaborated with the authors to carry out the study. For the purpose of the experiment, the interior of the faculty building was simulated using 3D software and was put through experience and evaluation by using augmented reality technology. Eventually, the students were asked to select those environments they deemed as featuring more perception and legibility than others. The participants' spatial perception was tested by assigning the type of the environment as the dependent variable. Color, light, and gender were examined as the independent variables. Chi-square test was used to determine the difference between the frequencies of the environments selected by the participants. Results showed that neutral color was more attractive than the other two color spaces. There was no significant difference between three color spaces in terms of guidance and invitation. Generally, the participants preferred neutral color over the other two colors. In other words, neutral color was better perceived than the other two because of its greater attractiveness.

A Study of the Emotional Impact of Interior Lighting Color in Rural Bed and Breakfast Space Design

“…Ashwini Sunil Nair studied the effect of light colors in the built environment on the behavior of children with autism using many neutral tones, and pastel shades proved to be autism-friendly with a sedative and soothing effect, whereas bright, bold and strong colors resulted in behavioral changes in children with autism, who are prone to be sensitive to light [64]. Ahmadreza Khalili used augmented reality to simulate various environments based on different light and color parameters and found that neutral colors were more attractive than others in two-color spaces [65].…”