Effects of Color Combination and Typography on Identification of Characters Briefly Presented on VDTs

TLDR

The study investigates how text–background color combinations and typography affect visual performance and fatigue in VDT users. Forty participants performed visual tasks while their accuracy, critical fusion frequency, near point of convergence, subjective fatigue, and color preference were measured and analyzed. Results showed that color combinations did not affect visual performance or fatigue, while typography significantly impacted performance—cluttered, low‑frequency characters reduced accuracy and higher‑frequency, fewer‑stroke characters improved it—and participants preferred common computer‑software color schemes over red‑on‑green, with no visual fatigue reported.

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the effects of text and background color combination and typography of characters on visual performance and visual fatigue of individuals working on a visual display termina] (VDT). Correct percentage of performance, critical fusion frequency, near point of convergence, subjective visual fatigue, and preference ranking of color combinations of 40 participants were collected and analyzed. Color combination had no significant effects on visual performance. Typography significantly affected performance. Aesthetically pleasing but more cluttered characters were detrimental to visual performance. Characters of higher frequency and fewer strokes were identified more accurately. Participants also showed differential preference for color combinations. Red-on-green was ranked inferior to color combinations generally used in computer software. Participants showed no visual fatigue during the VDT work.