Abstract
A body of literature asserts color's influence on display preference, cognition, behavior, and performance. Although these results have clear implications for the design of consumer product warnings, color has been disproportionately underrepresented in warnings research. The present study examined the effect of color on compliance with printed warnings. Sixty-five undergraduates interacted with a pool water test kit and a two-part adhesive. The warning on each product was factorial for color (i.e., red, green, and black) and was constant for content. Participants indicated a higher likelihood of injury associated with products printed in red than green or black. Behavioral compliance was assessed by indicating if subjects donned protective gloves as directed by the warning. The data indicated that warnings printed in red resulted in a higher proportion of compliant behavior than green and black combined.
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