Effects of hue, saturation, and brightness on attention and preference

Abstract

In order to investigate preference and attention responses for foregroundbackground color relationships, 123 university undergraduates in Ankara, Turkey, viewed 8 background colors on which color squares of differing hues, saturations, and brightnesses were presented. Subjects were asked to show the color square attracting the most attention, and the one they preferred on the presented background color. Findings on attention showed that on any background, colors of maximum saturation and brightness attract the most attention (67%). Yellowgreen, green, cyan range (45%) attracts attention, followed by red, magenta range (30%). Findings on preference showed that colors having maximum saturation and brightness are most preferred (25%). Blue is the most preferred hue regardless of the background (25%). Foreground-background color relationships in terms of attention and preference are also included in the findings of the study.