Integration of Mental Workload Analysis in Human Systems Design for Engineering Management: Effect of Colors in Human Performance

Date of Award

5-5-2024

Degree Name

M.S. in Engineering Management

Department

Department of Engineering Management, Systems, and Technology

Advisor/Chair

Sharon Bommer

Abstract

Scholars have made conceptual statements about the perception of color to produce a physiological reaction in human cognitive focus. Color is associated with subjective alertness and performance on attention-based tasks. In the color-in-context theory, color meanings and effects are considered context-specific, as the same color can have different and even opposite meanings in other contexts. Physiological measures have been one of the tools employed to measure workload. The pupil itself has its responses to the differences in color. Through this investigation, the study seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the psychological effects of color and its potential implications for performance using aviation-related task scenarios. By systematically examining the effects of different colors, the research aims to shed light on the relationship between color perception and task performance. While task difficulty level notably influenced performance outcomes across various conditions, background color demonstrated minimal impact in group 1, but a significant effect in group 2, with an interaction effect noted. Notably, gray emerged as the preferred color choice in both groups, aligning with performance data and pupillometry results, suggesting its suitability for multitasking environments. Concerns regarding the red background's association with urgency were echoed, supported by participant preferences and prior research, while dissatisfaction with yellow stemmed from its contrast with warning lights.

Keywords

Engineering, Industrial Engineering

Rights Statement

Copyright 2024, author

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