A Test for color appropriateness and color selections in multimedia design for color deficient observers

Abstract

Fifteen color normal and dichromatic observers participated in a CRT image display study conducted via the Internet at the The Rochester Institute of Technology. The groups consisted of three color normal and twelve color deficient observers. All observers were given identical visual tests. The tests, investigated one factor consisting of multi-hued graphics. The graphics were designed to evoke a response from the observers to help the experimenter investigate the difficulties associated with the inability to discriminate colors. Twelve of the observers (eleven males and one female) had been previously classified with dichromatic color vision deficiency, as established by the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic test and /or the Farnsworth- Munsell 100 Hue test. The control (color normal) group consisted of two male and one female observers. The experiment indicated that specialized color deficient-based palettes are beneficial in selecting color schemes to aid the dichromatic consumer. Once multimedia designers become aware of this discrimination process experienced by the color deficient observer, they can respond with appropriate color combinations to minimize these visual challenges in the daily flow of electronic information via CRT image display.