Colored Lighting in Offices the New Caffeine? Looking into Performance Effects of Colored Lighting

• Published in: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Vol. 53; no. 8; pp. 502 - 506
• Main Authors: Hoonhout, H.C.M. (Jettie), Knoop, M., Vanpol, Ruben
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2009
• ISSN: 1541-9312; 2169-5067; 2169-5067; 1071-1813
• DOI: 10.1177/154193120905300804

Innovations in lighting technology have made it simple to realize a wide range of lighting colors, and effortlessly change settings when desired. According to popular belief, color and lighting influence mood, well-being and performance. However, research is inconclusive regarding such claims; often variables such as brightness are not well controlled, or only subjective and no performance measures are reported. This study aims to address some of these issues. In an office setting, one wall was illuminated with blue or red light with comparable saturation and brightness. These colors were chosen because of inconclusive views on their effect, and their potential relevance for office-tasks. White light was offered in the immediate task-area, to meet illuminance and color rendering requirements. 76 participants were randomly assigned to one condition, and asked to perform several tasks. Mixed effects were found of condition on task performance.