Extrapolating CRT Color Use Research to LCD Flat-Panel Color Selection: Lessons Learned

Abstract

The application of colors in a complex graphical user interface (GUI) can be a significant determinant of both the operational effectiveness and the customer appeal of software product. This paper reviews the process of color selection, the literature supporting selected colors, and the results of a colors verification study in the design of a GUI for a tower air traffic control system. This system includes workstations employing daylight readable, high resolution, flat panel color displays. As a result, this work also assessed the applicability of largely CRT-based literature and guidelines to LCD technology. Overall, the color scheme derived from the available literature was found to be both high in usability and customer appeal; the CRT-based body of literature was found to be largely applicable to LCD technology, with only minor color modifications required to selected colors.

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