Specifications

Crestron Programming Design Kit
Doc. 5277J | crestron.com
51
Color Relativity and Readability
Observing the effects colors have on each other is the starting point for understanding the relativity of color. The
relationship of values, saturations and the warmth or coolness of respective hues can cause noticeable differences
in our perception of color. The purple square on the left seems to recede, while the one on the right seems to
advance. In addition, the one on the left appears larger (they are the same size).
NOTE: If large areas of a light hue are used, the whole screen will appear light; conversely, if large areas of dark
values are used, the whole screen appears dark.
When fully saturated complements are brought together, interesting effects are noticeable such as vibrating
boundaries. This may be a desirable illusion, or a problem if creating visuals that are to be read. An occurrence
known as simultaneous contrast (chromostereopsis) happens when opposing colors are placed in close proximity.
Text may appear to vibrate, or cast a shadow.
When creating visuals that are designed for reading, the viewer must have adequate contrast between the back-
ground and the text. Text presentations ideally offer at least an 80% contrast between figure and ground (black text
on a white background is ideal). When there is not enough contrast between figure and ground, the viewer must
squint to read the text, causing eye fatigue. Yellow text on a white background or blue text on a black background,
are difficult to read due to the low level of contrast between figure and ground.