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Yong PT, Mohammed Z, Mohamad Fadzil N, Abd Rahman MH, Hairol MI, Sharanjeet-Kaur S, Narayanasamy S. Does the optimal level of illumination improve both visual functions and visual comfort in schoolchildren with low vision? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0310592. [PMID: 39298464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Lighting modification is commonly performed by optometrists and occupational therapists to enhance visibility and visual comfort among schoolchildren with low vision. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal illumination level for visual function and visual comfort of schoolchildren with low vision and the relationship between them. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess five levels of illumination ranging from 125 lux to 2000 lux to determine the optimal illumination for visual functions and visual comfort in schoolchildren with low vision from a special education school for blind in Malaysia. Purposive sampling was done to recruit forty-two schoolchildren with low vision for this study. Visual functions assessed were visual acuity, measured using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study LogMAR chart at distance and near, contrast sensitivity (CS) measured using the Pelli-Robson chart at distance and the Mars CS chart at near. Reading speed was determined using the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Malay Language Related Word Reading Text test chart. Subjects were asked to rate their visual comfort using a validated questionnaire at the end of each measurement of visual functions and reading speed for the different illumination levels. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at distance and near, visual comfort and reading speed improved significantly with increase in illumination levels (p<0.05). However, the interaction between illumination level and level of low vision was not significant (p>0.05). Visual comfort was significantly associated with visual function (p<0.05), while direct association between visual comfort and illumination level was not significant (p>0.05). Optimal illumination for improvement of visual function, reading speed and visual comfort range from 276.67 lux to 701.59 lux. Majority of the schoolchildren with low vision had improved visual function, reading speed and visual comfort with increased illumination. Illumination of at least 600 lux is recommended for maximum visual functioning and visual comfort of schoolchildren with low vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Theng Yong
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zainora Mohammed
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Mohamad Fadzil
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Harimi Abd Rahman
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Izzuddin Hairol
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sharanjeet Sharanjeet-Kaur
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Study, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sumithira Narayanasamy
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Yu N, Ouyang Z. Effects of background colour, polarity, and saturation on digital icon status recognition and visual search performance. ERGONOMICS 2024; 67:433-445. [PMID: 37376815 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2226849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Visual design form is an important factor affecting users' cognition of icons, which plays an important role in visual search and the perception of the status shown by icons. In the graphical user interface, the icon colour is regularly used to indicate the running state of a function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of icon colour features on user perception and visual search performance under different background colours. There were three independent variables in the study, including background colour (white and black), icon polarity (positive and negative), and icon saturation (60, 80, and 100%). Thirty-one participants were recruited for the experiment. Task performance and eye movement results indicated that white background as well as positive polarity and 80% saturation icons brought the best performances. The findings of this study provide useful guidelines for designing more efficient and user-friendly icons and interfaces in the future.Practitioner summary: This study was to investigate the effects of icon colour features (polarity and saturation) on user perception and visual search performance under different colour backgrounds. Task performance and eye movement results indicated that white background as well as positive polarity and 80% saturation icons brought the best performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yu
- College of Furnishings and Industrial Design, Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziwei Ouyang
- College of Art and Design, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
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Sethi T, Ziat M. Dark mode vogue: Do light-on-dark displays have measurable benefits to users? ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:1814-1828. [PMID: 36533999 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2160879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This work investigates the effect of display polarity on cognitive load, using eye-tracking and subjective measures, and emotional reactions to assess whether the popularity of negative polarity displays is related to affective qualities or true physiological benefits. Younger and older adults tested positive and negative polarities under bright and dim environments for writing and search tasks. Eye-tracking results showed higher cognitive load using negative polarity, reflected in increased search time and pupil diameter for older adults in a bright environment and younger adults in a dim environment. For older adults, mental effort scores were higher using negative polarity for the search task in a bright environment. This group reported more positive emotions using positive polarity, while younger adults expressed more interest in negative polarity. These results suggest that older adults use positive polarity to avoid mental fatigue, while younger adults use negative polarity in a dim environment for aesthetic reasons. Practitioner summary: The effects of negative polarity on cognitive load and users' preferences are often unclear. Eye-tracking and subjective data reveals that negative polarity displays elicit higher cognitive load for older adults in a bright environment and younger adults in a dim environment, suggesting older adults prioritise reduced fatigue while younger adults prioritise the feel of the interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Sethi
- Human Factors in Information Design, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Mounia Ziat
- Human Factors in Information Design, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA
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Zhao W, Gong S, Zhao D, Liu F, Sze NN, Huang H. Effects of collision warning characteristics on driving behaviors and safety in connected vehicle environments. ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2023; 186:107053. [PMID: 37030178 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
With the emerging connected vehicle (CV) technologies, a novel in-vehicle omni-direction collision warning system (OCWS) is developed. For example, vehicles approaching from different directions can be detected, and advanced collision warnings caused by vehicles approaching from different directions can be provided. Effectiveness of OCWS in reducing crash and injury related to forward, rear-end and lateral collision is recognized. However, it is rare that the effects of collision warning characteristics including collision types and warning types on micro-level driver behaviors and safety performance is assessed. In this study, variations in drivers' responses among different collision types and between visual only and visual plus auditory warnings are examined. In addition, moderating effects by driver characteristics including drivers' demographics, years of driving experience, and annual driving distance are also considered. An in-vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) that can provide both visual and auditory warnings for forward, rear-end, and lateral collisions is installed on an instrumented vehicle. 51 drivers participate in the field tests. Performance indicators including relative speed change, time taken to accelerate/decelerate, and maximum lateral displacement are adopted to reflect drivers' responses to collision warnings. Then, generalized estimation equation (GEE) approach is applied to examine the effects of drivers' characteristics, collision type, warning type and their interaction on the driving performance. Results indicate that age, year of driving experience, collision type, and warning type can affect the driving performance. Findings should be indicative to the optimal design of in-vehicle HMI and thresholds for the activation of collision warnings that can increase the drivers' awareness to collision warnings from different directions. Also, implementation of HMI can be customized with respect to individual driver characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhao
- School of Information and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China; Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siyuan Gong
- School of Information and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China.
| | - Dezong Zhao
- James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Fenglin Liu
- School of Information and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an 710064, China
| | - N N Sze
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helai Huang
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
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Swain TA, Snyder SW, McGwin JG, Owsley C. Associations of visual functions with attitudes about motor vehicle dashboards among older drivers. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:918781. [PMID: 38235469 PMCID: PMC10790864 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.918781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Proper understanding and interaction with the dashboard is an essential aspect of safely operating a motor vehicle. A portion of this task is dependent on vision, yet no published information exists regarding dashboard ergonomics and visual function. This study sought to associate visual functions and person abilities of dashboard ergonomic dimensions relevant to older driver design preferences and attitudes. Methods In this population-based study of drivers, participants completed functional testing for habitual distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual field sensitivity, visual processing speed, and spatial ability. A questionnaire assessed attitudes and understanding of dashboard design, with questionnaire items generated from the content of focus groups of older drivers. Dashboard design domains identified in Rasch analysis of questionnaire responses were quantified using person ability measures for the cognitive processing, lighting, obstructions, and pattern recognition domains. Visual functions and person abilities were correlated using Spearman partial correlations, adjusting for age and sex. Results A total of 997 participants completed functional testing and the dashboard questionnaire. The mean age was 77.4 ± 4.6 years, and the majority were male (55%) and white (81%). The sample had a range of person abilities and visual functions. Contrast and visual field sensitivities were significantly associated with the cognitive processing, lighting, and pattern recognition dashboard design dimensions (p ≤ 0.0052). For all significant associations, increased visual function was indicative of better person ability. Visual processing speed, as measured by Trails B and UFOV2, was significantly associated with the lighting domain (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.0007, respectively). The UFOV2 measure was correlated with pattern recognition (p = 0.0165). Spatial ability was the only visual function associated with the visual obstruction dimension (p = 0.0347). Conclusions Person ability for dashboard design domains are related to visual function in older drivers. Results show person ability for domains increased with improved visual function. Future automotive engineering and design initiatives should consider these associations in improving dashboard designs to increase vehicle utility and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A. Swain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Scott W. Snyder
- Department of Human Studies, School of Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jr Gerald McGwin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Cynthia Owsley
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Li Y, Huang Y, Li X, Ma J, Zhang J, Li J. The influence of brightness combinations and background colour on legibility and subjective preference under negative polarity. ERGONOMICS 2022; 65:1046-1056. [PMID: 34856871 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2021.2013546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the influence of colour combinations on legibility and aesthetic feelings for the currently popular negative polarity interface design. Legibility was measured in two different ways in two tasks: time threshold (Task I) and a 9-point subjective rating (Task II). In Task I, we combined an adaptive program to measure 37 participants' recognition thresholds and online pseudo-word recognition tasks; in Task II, 44 participants' subjective preferences were measured using a scale. We found that higher brightness contrasts led to better legibility; different background colours with identical brightness and saturation did not cause significant differences; brighter texts produced better subjective preference for aesthetic appearance, legibility, and visual comfort; and different background colours had no significant effect on subjective preference. These findings have implications for digital interface design. Practitioner summary: In display design under negative polarity, experimental results show that higher brightness contrast leads to higher legibility, while background colour has no such significant effect; background brightness and hue have no significant effect on subjective preference, but text brightness and background colour have significant interaction effect on subjective preference. Abbreviations: OLED: organic light-emitting diode; LCD: liquid crystal display; ANOVA: analysis of variance; VDT: visual displsy terminal; CET-4: college english test band 4; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; HSB: hues saturation brightness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Li
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanqun Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin Polytechnic University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Tianjin Sino-German University of Applied Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Jutao Li
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Boedeker S, Halstenberg E, Schulz P, Beblo T, Kreisel S, Driessen M, Toepper M. Impaired Color Discrimination in Alzheimer Disease Dementia. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2022; 36:22-28. [PMID: 34861672 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with Alzheimer disease dementia (ADD) often show impaired orientation and navigation. Signage offers an opportunity to compensate for these deficits, communicate information efficiently and facilitate wayfinding. Certain properties of signs such as colors and contrasts may beneficially affect the uptake and processing of information particularly in ADD patients. METHODS Thirty-six healthy older adults and 30 ADD patients performed a computerized color perception task that required discriminating different color combinations. The effects of different contrast features on performance accuracy and speed in the 2 experimental groups were examined by nonparametric mixed analysis of variances. RESULTS Analyses revealed a significant effect of contrast polarity on reaction times, significant effects of group on reaction times and errors as well as a marginally significant interaction of group×color on errors. All participants benefitted from positive contrast polarity (ie, dark target on lighter background) as indicated by increased performance speed. Furthermore, ADD patients reacted slower and less accurate than healthy controls, but showed higher accuracy at black-white and red-yellow than at blue-green color combinations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the implementation of signs with positive contrast polarity to ensure faster reactions. In addition, certain color combinations may enhance accuracy, particularly in patients with ADD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Boedeker
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Memory Clinic, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel (EvKB), Universitätsklinikum OWL der Universität Bielefeld
| | - Eileen Halstenberg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Philipp Schulz
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
| | - Thomas Beblo
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
| | - Stefan Kreisel
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
| | - Martin Driessen
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
| | - Max Toepper
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Memory Clinic, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel (EvKB), Universitätsklinikum OWL der Universität Bielefeld
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Pan J, Sheu J, Massimo L, Scott KR, Phillips AW. Learning Experience Design in Health Professions Education: A Conceptual Review of Evidence for Educators. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2021; 5:e10505. [PMID: 33898909 PMCID: PMC8052999 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increasing use of online resources in emergency medicine (EM) education has driven demand for higher quality resources. Learning experience design (LED) is the study of how electronic user interfaces impact learner outcomes. We sought to summarize the evidence for LED principles to inform creation of EM educational resources. METHODS We performed scripted searches of MeSH terms, PubMed keywords, and hand tracings. Inclusion criteria were controlled studies using light-emitting diode or liquid crystal display monitors with Latin-based languages. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors were excluded because of the user experience confounders. RESULTS Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria. Overall, 14-point size significantly improved legibility compared to smaller font sizes. Similarly, Verdana and Arial typefaces significantly improved legibility compared to Times New Roman typeface. Verdana also significantly decreased subjective mental workload and visibility difficulty ratings and required the least eye movement of any typefaces tested. Positive polarity (dark text on light background) significantly improved reading outcomes across many measurements over negative polarity. There was higher character identification accuracy with higher luminance. Text effects (e.g., italics), interword and interletter spacing, and page presentation are among variables with mixed or minimal evidence. CONCLUSION Learning experience design principles significantly impacted reading and learning outcomes in laboratory settings. No studies evaluated classroom outcomes. Recommendations for electronic learning environments are 14-point font with Verdana or Arial typeface with positive polarity (dark letters on light background). We recommend increasing screen brightness slightly. EM educators may significantly improve the speed and accuracy of learning written material by espousing evidence-based LED principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann Pan
- From theBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTXUSA
| | | | - Lauren Massimo
- theUniversity of North Carolina HospitalsChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Kevin R Scott
- thePerelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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Sawyer BD, Wolfe B, Dobres J, Chahine N, Mehler B, Reimer B. Glanceable, legible typography over complex backgrounds. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:864-883. [PMID: 32425139 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1758348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Modern digital interfaces display typeface in ways new to the 500 year old art of typography, driving a shift in reading from primarily long-form to increasingly short-form. In safety-critical settings, such at-a-glance reading competes with the need to understand the environment. To keep both type and the environment legible, a variety of 'middle layer' approaches are employed. But what is the best approach to presenting type over complex backgrounds so as to preserve legibility? This work tests and ranks middle layers in three studies. In the first study, Gaussian blur and semi-transparent 'scrim' middle layer techniques best maximise legibility. In the second, an optimal combination of the two is identified. In the third, letter-localised middle layers are tested, with results favouring drop-shadows. These results, discussed in mixed reality (MR) including overlays, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), considers a future in which glanceable reading amidst complex backgrounds is common. Practitioner summary: Typography over complex backgrounds, meant to be read and understood at a glance, was once niche but today is a growing design challenge for graphical user interface HCI. We provide a technique, evidence-based strategies, and illuminating results for maximising legibility of glanceable typography over complex backgrounds. Abbreviations: AR: augmented reality; VR: virtual reality; HUD: head-up display; OLED: organic light-emitting diode; UX: user experience; MS: millisecond; CM: centimeter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Sawyer
- Industrial Engineering and Management Systems, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Wolfe
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Dobres
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Bruce Mehler
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan Reimer
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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10
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Sawyer BD, Dobres J, Chahine N, Reimer B. The great typography bake-off: comparing legibility at-a-glance. ERGONOMICS 2020; 63:391-398. [PMID: 32089101 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2020.1714748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Typography plays an increasingly important role in today's dynamic digital interfaces. Graphic designers and interface engineers have more typographic options than ever before. Sorting through this maze of design choices can be a daunting task. Here we present the results of an experiment comparing differences in glance-based legibility between eight popular sans-serif typefaces. The results show typography to be more than a matter of taste, especially in safety critical contexts such as in-vehicle interfaces. Our work provides both a method and rationale for using glanceable typefaces, as well as actionable information to guide design decisions for optimised usability in the fast-paced mobile world in which information is increasingly consumed in a few short glances. Practitioner summary: There is presently no accepted scientific method for comparing font legibility under time-pressure, in 'glanceable' interfaces such as automotive displays and smartphone notifications. A 'bake-off' method is demonstrated with eight popular sans-serif typefaces. The results produce actionable information to guide design decisions when information must be consumed at-a-glance. Abbreviations: DOT: department of transportation; FAA: Federal Aviation Administration; GHz: gigahertz; Hz: hertz; IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission; ISO: International Organization for Standardization; LCD: liquid crystal display; MIT: Massachusetts Institute of Technology; ms: milliseconds; OS: operating system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Sawyer
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Systems, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
- Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AgeLab, Cambridge, MA
| | - Jonathan Dobres
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AgeLab, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Bryan Reimer
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, AgeLab, Cambridge, MA
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11
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Dobres J, Wolfe B, Chahine N, Reimer B. The effects of visual crowding, text size, and positional uncertainty on text legibility at a glance. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2018; 70:240-246. [PMID: 29866314 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Reading at a glance, once a relatively infrequent mode of reading, is becoming common. Mobile interaction paradigms increasingly dominate the way in which users obtain information about the world, which often requires reading at a glance, whether from a smartphone, wearable device, or in-vehicle interface. Recent research in these areas has shown that a number of factors can affect text legibility when words are briefly presented in isolation. Here we expand upon this work by examining how legibility is affected by more crowded presentations. Word arrays were combined with a lexical decision task, in which the size of the text elements and the inter-line spacing (leading) between individual items were manipulated to gauge their relative impacts on text legibility. In addition, a single-word presentation condition that randomized the location of presentation was compared with previous work that held position constant. Results show that larger text was more legible than smaller text. Wider leading significantly enhanced legibility as well, but contrary to expectations, wider leading did not fully counteract decrements in legibility at smaller text sizes. Single-word stimuli presented with random positioning were more difficult to read than stationary counterparts from earlier studies. Finally, crowded displays required much greater processing time compared to single-word displays. These results have implications for modern interface design, which often present interactions in the form of scrollable and/or selectable lists. The present findings are of practical interest to the wide community of graphic designers and interface engineers responsible for developing our interfaces of daily use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Dobres
- MIT AgeLab and New England University Transportation Center, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E40-275, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Benjamin Wolfe
- MIT AgeLab and New England University Transportation Center, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E40-275, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nadine Chahine
- Monotype Imaging, Inc., 600 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn, MA 01801, USA
| | - Bryan Reimer
- MIT AgeLab and New England University Transportation Center, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, E40-275, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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12
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Wolfe B, Dobres J, Kosovicheva A, Rosenholtz R, Reimer B. Age-related differences in the legibility of degraded text. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2017; 1:22. [PMID: 28180173 PMCID: PMC5256463 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-016-0023-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Aging-related changes in the visual system diminish the capacity to perceive the world with the ease and fidelity younger adults are accustomed to. Among many consequences of this, older adults find that text that they could once read easily proves difficult to read, even with sufficient acuity correction. Building on previous work examining visual factors in legibility, we examine potential causes for these age-related effects in the absence of other ocular pathology. We asked participants to discriminate words from non-words in a lexical decision task. The stimuli participants viewed were either blurred or presented in a noise field to simulate, respectively, decreased sensitivity to fine detail (loss of acuity) and detuning of visually selective neurons. We then use the differences in performance between older and younger participants to suggest how older participants’ performance could be approximated to facilitate maximally usable designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wolfe
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, E40-278, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Jonathan Dobres
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, E40-278, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Anna Kosovicheva
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Ruth Rosenholtz
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, 32-D532, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Bryan Reimer
- AgeLab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, E40-278, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
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13
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Haslam R. Ergonomics at 60: mature, thriving and still leading the way. ERGONOMICS 2017; 60:1-5. [PMID: 28027697 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1275150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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