Senior design project for students from Wright State University examined the use of non-unique color code, where red was used for alarms and pump stop. Subjects were to detect alarms, one set for display where pump status was red/green and another were pump status was grey/white. As participants had unlimited time per display, accuracy was 100% with both. Red/Green displays resulted in significantly longer time to detect the alarms.
Students would develop baseline research to quantify difference between color codes; determine which color is better for alert recognition; and determine which color yields faster response time.
Does the color red have an effect on operator performance when it has 2 distinct meanings (alert, on/off) versus one meaning (alert)?
Presentation at 2010 COP Board Meeting