'this is very dangerous ground ...
As I understand it in the only tests on preference that were conducted on
1,000 udergrads 17% preferred black on white. The rest preferred "Some other
colour" with about 20% finding that black on white was significantly
disadvantaging them.
However, it could be that another colour text on another background
disadvantages others, perhaps even more than 17%. Many people will find it
more difficult to read black on grey and will much prefer a high contrast
black on white especially with small print. This is probably most likely for
those with deteriorating eyesight (of any age) on the verge of needing
reading spectacles who could be disadvantaged by switching to a lower
contrast combination.
At present there is no 'right answer' to the paper colour question and I can
personally see no reason to establish a policy apart from leave things
alone.'
Mick Trott
Mike makes a variety of suggestions above. I shall respond to them
individually
1. As I understand it in the only tests on preference that were conducted on
1,000 udergrads 17% preferred black on white.
This fits in closely with the subjective/intuitive work I have done with
over 3000 school children in the early 1990s. However this was about
preference. The only people to measure the relationship between reading
performance and colour background is TintaVision.
2. The rest preferred "Some other colour" with about 20% finding that black
on white was significantly disadvantaging them.
There was no measurement of the effects of using black on white by students
who ' preferred a colour '. To use the term 'significantly disadvantaging'
without objective measurement is misleading. Although perhaps I am
nitpicking.
3. However, it could be that another colour text on another background
disadvantages others, perhaps even more than 17%.
Changing the font colour and the background colour raises all sort of issues
in edge detection.
4. Many people will find it more difficult to read black on grey and will
much prefer a high contrast black on white especially with small print.
It depends on the contrast between the two and also on the ambient light
intensity.
39% need a very high light intensity but most ( 32% of the total) of these
need a specific reduction in red or green cone stimulation to be able t use
the high light intensity in a sustained way. Otherwise after a short time
they will make more and more errors, lose concentration and reading
effectiveness. The remaining 7% will need either high or low blue cone
stimulation to maintain reading effectiveness.
5. This is probably most likely for those with deteriorating eyesight (of
any age) on the verge of needing reading spectacles who could be
disadvantaged by switching to a lower contrast combination
Some of these people will need refractive correction, others will have
retinopathy problems or 'cataract' like conditions.
Many with retinopathy problems or cataract like conditions need a LOWER
light intensity. Assumptions must not be made when measurement is possible.
Refractive problems can be helped by brighter light since it causes the
pupil to get smaller and aids focussing ( pinhole camera effect). But these
people should be encouraged/ told to get correct refractive assistance.
People requiring such a simple solution should not be the subject of
assistance from support services that is why refractive problems alone are
not considered a 'disability'
6. At present there is no 'right answer' to the paper colour question and I
can personally see no reason to establish a policy apart from leave things
alone.'
Surely it is responsibility to provide the best intervention, the most
enabling intervention. Rather than just leave alone?
It is possible to provide assistance in examinations. The simplest easiest.
Almost a ........... is to simply put the letters further apart! A
remarkable gain for many and no loss for those without difficulties. So
simple, no cost. But you cannot do it on a book or newspaper for the
studying part of their lives.
Best wishes
Peter Irons
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