Color combination and exposure time on legibility and EEG response of icon presented on visual display terminal

This study explored the effect of target/background color combination and exposure time on legibility of and EEG response to icons presented on a visual display terminal (VDT). The results showed that color combinations with high preference had better legibility than those with low preference. Peak latency of P100 at visual-cortex area (O1, O2, OZ) showed significantly faster response time with high preference color combinations than with low preference. Mean amplitudes of P300 were significantly greater for short exposure time, i.e., the subjects had greater attention load with short exposure time. In summary, both icon color combination and exposure time had significant effects on the accuracy of icon legibility, and the result was confirmed in EEG analysis.

► This study investigated icon target/background color combinations.
► This study measured legibility, EEG P100 latency, and P300 mean amplitude.
► This study found that behavioral measures and EEG responses correlate.