Multiple roles of color information in the perception of icon‐type images

Abstract

Despite the ubiquity of icons in computing and mobile devices, the role of color in icon‐based interface design has yet to be fully elucidated. This study began by conducting a card sorting experiment to determine the importance of color in the perception of commercial icons, as opposed to the simpler icons typically used in a laboratory setting. The study also sought to ascertain the importance of color when considered alongside other visual attributes in the general perception of icons. Participants were then asked to answer preset questions as a means of determining the relationship between the known color properties (e.g., hue, saturation, and brightness) of icons and their functional meaning, effectiveness in conveying meaning, and visual attractiveness. Finally, the speed and accuracy was assessed by which participants recognized well‐known icons rendered using familiar and unfamiliar colors. The empirical results identified color as an important attribute in the process of sorting icons, far exceeding other visual attributes including shape, complexity, pictorial style, and orientation. Nonetheless, it appears that color is not necessarily dominant in the initial stages of sorting. The results also revealed that color is closely related to visual attractiveness but largely irrelevant to effectiveness in the conveyance of meaning. The study also confirmed that correct color information is crucial to naming accuracy and the speed at which icons are recognized. Finally, the results indicate that icons lacking a unique symbol as a cue to recognition rely heavily on their signature color for identification. This study opens up several avenues of research by which to enhance our understanding of the functional role of color in icon perception.

An empirical investigation into the preferences of the elderly for user interface design in personal electronic health record systems

“…The analysis unveils a pivotal insight, highlighting the color scheme as the paramount attribute affecting elderly users' interaction with the ePHR interface components. This discovery resonates coherently with existing research conducted by Hsieh, T.J ( 89 ). Which accentuates the instrumental role of colors in cultivating visual appeal, an aspect imperative for seizing and sustaining users' attention.…”

EvIcon: Designing High‐Usability Icon with Human‐in‐the‐loop Exploration and IconCLIP

“…Also, icons are usually designed in single‐coloured in the first place and then edited their colour later, tailoring to the configuration of display devices [GSF01, ZKH*20]. Moreover, prior works found that icons' colouring is more critical to icons' visual attractiveness than effectiveness in the conveyance of meaning [Hsi17, CUG20, SZL*21]. Accordingly, we consider devising icons in single‐coloured is common in the design process.…”

The Impact of Interface Design Element Features on Task Performance in Older Adults: Evidence from Eye-Tracking and EEG Signals

“…[ 42 ]. Some researchers believe that EEG signals can be used to control and operate virtual home appliances [ 43 ], while others want to use EEG signals to investigate the impact of color on interface design [ 44 , 45 ], whilst others want to use EEG signals to analyze user aesthetic preferences in interface layout [ 46 , 47 ]. Therefore, studying user behavior during interface interaction using physiological data, such as eye movement data or EEG signals, can produce the best research results and design approaches.…”