Nooree Na

Adaptive luminance contrast for enhancing reading performance and visual comfort on smartphone displays

Abstract. This study developed a model for setting the adaptive luminance contrast between text and background for enhancing reading performance and visual comfort on smartphone displays. The study was carried out in two experiments. In Experiment I, a user test was conducted to identify the optimal luminance contrast with regard to subjects’ reading performance, measured by lines of text reading and visual comfort, assessed by self-report after the reading. Based on the empirical results of the test, an ideal adaptive model which decreases the luminance contrast gradually with passage of time was developed. In Experiment II, a validation test involving reading performance, visual comfort, and physiological stress measured by a brainwave analysis using an electroencephalogram confirmed that the proposed adaptive luminance contrast is adequate for prolonged text reading on smartphone displays. The developed model enhances both reading performance and visual comfort as well as reduces the energy consumption of a smartphone; hence, it is expected that this study will be applied to diverse kinds of visual display terminals.

Do curved displays make for a more pleasant experience

This study investigated the benefits of a curved display compared to a flat display and proposed the optimal radius of curvature for a monitor. The study was carried out in two steps. For identifying the optimal radius, a bendable monitor prototype was used to enable subjects to adjust the display radius manually. Each subject was instructed to search for an optimal radius according to individual preference and visual comfort. Six different themes were applied for the display content. The subjects also reported the radius in which a visual distortion occurred. As a result, it was found that curvature with a radius equal to 600 mm to 700 mm is optimal for a 23-inch diagonal display, while 700 mm to 800 mm is appropriate for a 27-inch diagonal display. Moreover, when the radius of curvature was smaller than 600 mm, a majority reported distortion regardless of the display size. Next, a validation test confirmed that the subjects read the texts faster on the curved display than on the flat display. Based on the empirical results of two experiments, the excellence of a curved monitor in terms of visual comfort, preference, and immersion was verified.

The Emotional Characteristics of White for Applications of Product Color Design

This study investigates the emotional characteristics of various shades of white. In Experiment I, the emotional characteristics of 13 basic colors were evaluated based on four factors—flamboyant, elegant, clear, and soft—and white was identified to be dominantly elegant. In Experiment II, the emotional characteristics of whites were assessed to derive an equation for predicting the emotional quality. In Experiment III, 1:1 scale mock-ups of mobile phones, coated with various shades of white as well as different levels of gloss and texture, were employed for the further emotional assessment in real-life situations. Consistent tendencies were observed in the experiments, confirming the validity of the results. In addition, although color was the most dominant element in deciding product emotion, gloss, and texture were also influential elements. This study provides empirical evidence of the emotional responses to different shades of white and can help designers find an appropriate color for designing white-based products.

Do consumers prefer curved monitors? Assessment of preferred curvature and readability performance

ABSTRACT Computer users have a wide variety of computer display preferences, but a contentious argument has been used in favor of the curved display. In this context, this study investigated the users’ curvature preference for six different content types, and compared the usability of the curved and flat panels in terms of readability performance. A 27-inch bendable display panel was devised for the experiment to enable users to adjust the curvature manually. In the first experiment, the study participants searched for the optimal radii of curvature when the six content types were mounted in sequence on the bendable display, which confirmed the users’ preference for the curved display over the flat display. The following experiment demonstrated that the study participants showed improved readability on the curved display, which supported the study hypothesis. The results of the experiments in this study suggest that the curved display will help improve the work efficiency of consumers.