Color Impressions in Images of Decorated Interiors and Furniture Are Influenced by Differences in Color Vision

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate how impressions derived from multiple colors differ depending on the diversity of color vision. We have already conducted research on color impressions using abstract images as visual stimuli containing multiple colors. In this report, we will conduct a similar study using images of decorated interiors and furniture, which include more familiar subjects. Globally, 2% to 10% of men have color vision deficiencies (protan or deutan color vision), and many studies have been conducted to consider color　discrimination. However, there are few comprehensive survey results on how people with color vision deficiencies perceive various color impressions. In the study on color impressions perceived from single colors by Ichihara (2018, 2019), it was reported that people with protan or deutan color vision perceive colors like red and green as dark, sober, and dull, whereas colors like blue, purple, yellow, orange, and yellow-green are perceived as bright, flashy, and lively. Furthermore, in the study by Sakamoto et al. (2019) focusing on abstract images containing multiple colors, it was reported that the structure of color impression evaluation could be explained by three factors, including a factor related to "harmony." In this experiment, we targeted individuals with normal color vision (both male and female) and those with dichromatic color vision deficiency (both protanopia and deuteranopia). The experiment was conducted from January 10, 2024, to April 20, 2024. Images of decorated interiors and furniture with various color combinations were displayed on an LCD monitor (EIZO CG279X) connected to a MacBook Pro. We calibrated the color and brightness of the EIZO LCD monitor using color management software (EIZO ColorNavigator 7). We collected color impression data using the Semantic Differential (SD) method. Subsequently, we employed Principal component analysis to investigate which principal components significantly influenced judgments across different types of color vision. The results of the Principal component analysis extracted four principal components for each type of color vision. Specifically, these principal components are Activity (associated with liveliness and flashiness), Harmony (associated with beauty and elegance), Potency (associated with weight and strength), and Sharpness (associated with the sharpness of color combinations). It was suggested that color vision differences (normal color vision, protanopia, and deuteranopia) affect the evaluation of Harmony differently. Our results also suggest that when impressions of highly salient colors in interior design are similar across different types of color vision, the design tends to evoke the same impression. On the other hand, when impressions of highly salient colors differ across different types of color vision, the design tends to evoke different impressions.

Keywords: Protanopia, Deuteranopia, Semantic Differential method, Principal component analysis, Color combinations, Interior design, Salient colors

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005611