How do you go about designing a color environment for people who see very differently from you? The first step, as always, is research. “Cells in the retina that are responsible for normal color vision decline in sensitivity as we age, causing colors to become less bright and the contrast between different colors to be less noticeable. In particular, blue colors may appear faded or "washed out." [2] To counteract this degradation environments for seniors should be outfitted with higher contrast surfaces, such as increasing the contrast between a floor and countertop.
Also, the “muscles
that control our pupil size and
reaction to light lose some strength. This causes the pupil to become smaller
and less responsive to changes in ambient lighting. Because of these changes, people
in their 60s need three times more ambient light for comfortable reading than
those in their 20s.”[3] This greater need for light in the eye can
also be addressed in the environment with brighter colors, which bounce more
wavelengths of light back to the eye than duller colors. As seen in the graphic below, low saturation colors quickly turn toward black and white as vision ages while high saturation colors maintain a high degree of visual vibrancy.
A
recent study in The Journal of
Gerontology on color vision in the aging eye returned informative results
on the particular qualities of color that are more difficult for seniors to
see. The study measured the “losses of color vision in the dimensions of hue,
saturation, and brightness”[4]
The study demonstrated a “loss of
discrimination of saturation beginning
at age 50, with rapid change noted after age 60. Similar findings were seen
for hue but were not evident for brightness.” The participating scientists
concluded with the hope that this “information
will provide a basis for planning safer, more functional environments for
elderly people.”
We selected a color palette for the interior to aid in way finding in this 8 story building. Here are some of our selections.
We selected a color palette for the interior to aid in way finding in this 8 story building. Here are some of our selections.
- Emily Eifler, Associate Designer, Colour Studio
I never knew this. It is very useful info- I am involved at our local Old Age Home. Also a warning for myself- I love bold colours and have only 6 years left to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jill for another enlightening (ahem) post. I appreciate your intelligent, user-centric approach to color design.
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ReplyDeleteMacular degeneration is the name given to a group of chronic, degenerative retinal eye diseases that cause progressive loss of central vision, leaving the peripheral or side vision intact. This disease create problem in daily activity. Macular degeneration tratment
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ReplyDeleteHow do cataracts apply to this information? Does cataract surgery help or is that a separate issue from weakening pupil muscles and declining retina cells? I've heard older people after cataract surgery exclaim about the bright colors and high contrast. How does that play into aging vision?
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