Positive display polarity is advantageous for both younger and older adults

Abstract

The effect of display polarity on visual acuity and proofreading performance was investigated for younger and older adults. An advantage of positive polarity (dark characters on light background) over negative polarity (light characters on dark background) was expected for younger adults, but the effects on older adults were ambiguous. Light scatter due to residues in the senescent lens and vitreous humour could reverse the typical advantage of positive polarity. However, age-related changes lead to a decline in retinal illuminance. Brighter positive polarity displays should help to compensate for this decline and, accordingly, lead to better performance than darker negative polarity displays. Participants conducted a visual acuity test with black optotypes on white background or white optotypes on black background and performed a proofreading task in the same polarity. A positive polarity advantage was found for both age groups. The presentation in positive polarity is recommended for all ages.

Practitioner summary: In an ageing society, age-related vision changes need to be considered when designing digital displays. Visual acuity testing and a proofreading task revealed a positive polarity advantage for younger and older adults. Dark characters on light background lead to better legibility and are strongly recommended independent of observer's age.

Keywords:

• display polarity
• age
• vision changes
• display design

Acknowledgements

We thank Anja Antoine and Selina Görner for their assistance with data collection.

Notes

1. Due to data loss, the statistical analysis for the multiple choice vocabulary test is based on N = 168.

2. A contrast test was conducted subsequent to the visual acuity test. Participants’ task was identical to the visual acuity test: they named the orientation of the gap in an individually presented Landolt C optotype. In contrast to the visual acuity test, Landolt C optotypes in the contrast test (displayed in a size that corresponds to an acuity of 0.1_decimal) were presented in a sequence of descending contrasts with up to five presentations per contrast level. Results of the contrast sensitivity measurements as well as the results of a final questionnaire regarding subjective experiences during the proofreading task will not be reported because they are not relevant for the research questions addressed in this paper.

3. It is conceivable that the positive polarity advantage would have been decreased for older adults if cataract patients had been tested as well.