A Correlation Between Color Preferences and Virtual Environment

Abstract

Background: Understanding color preference in virtual environments is crucial for applications in digital design, human-computer interaction, and virtual reality (VR). Aims: This study examines how luminance, hue, and saturation influence color preference in VR settings, considering both environmental and perceptual factors. Methodology: A controlled VR experiment was used, where participants interacted with two distinct virtual zones designed to simulate different lighting conditions. Finding: The findings suggest that chromatic lightness and perceived hue play distinct roles in color preference, with evidence supporting Weber's Law of illumination adaptation. It was also shown that regions with elevated chroma exhibit more pronounced colors. Additionally, the participants' average color preferences were determined, and the appropriate modification rate was extracted by comparing the preferred colors to the average colors of the virtual spaces. One significant finding was that, cooler colors were favored to warmer ones, which is consistent with previous research on color preferences. Furthermore, a correlation between lighting circumstances and color preferences was established. Conclusion: The findings indicated that adjusting the hue, saturation, and brightness can improve the design of virtual environments by matching the tastes of users. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of color perception in digital spaces and have implications for design, architecture, and cognitive science.