The Influence of Colored Lighting on Navigational Decision-Making in Virtual Environments

Pleszewska, Ada Jolanta

4. Term

Lighting Design

2025

54

This study examines how colored lighting influences where people choose to go in computer-generated (virtual) environments, comparing preferences for red, green, and blue light. We ran two experiments: one online and one in person. In both, participants repeatedly chose between visually identical corridors that differed only in light color. They made choices both when free to explore and under time pressure. Results showed a consistent preference for green light, especially in the online version. In the in-person, more immersive setup, participants chose blue more often. Red was the least preferred in both contexts. Age showed only weak links to color choices, and there were no statistically significant gender differences. In open-ended feedback, many participants said they relied on intuition and emotional associations, particularly under stress. These findings suggest that color is more than atmosphere in virtual design: it can serve as a subconscious cue that steers spatial behavior. Designers can use color to guide movement, shape emotions, and align environmental cues with the pace or pressure of gameplay. Similar ideas may support intuitive navigation in architectural lighting and interface design.

Dette studie undersøger, hvordan farvet belysning påvirker, hvilke veje folk vælger i computergenererede (virtuelle) miljøer. Vi sammenlignede præferencer for rød, grøn og blå belysning. Vi gennemførte to forsøg: ét online og ét fysisk. I begge blev deltagerne gentagne gange bedt om at vælge mellem visuelt identiske gange, som kun adskilte sig i lysets farve. De foretog valgene både i fri udforskning og under tidspres. Resultaterne viste en stabil præference for grønt lys, især i den online version. I den fysiske, mere immersive ramme valgte deltagerne oftere blåt lys. Rødt var mindst foretrukket i begge sammenhænge. Alder havde kun svage sammenhænge med farvevalg, og der blev ikke fundet statistisk signifikante kønsforskelle. I åbne kommentarer beskrev mange, at de fulgte intuition og følelsesmæssige associationer, især under stress. Fundenes betydning er, at farver ikke kun skaber stemning i virtuelle miljøer, men også kan fungere som ubevidste signaler, der styrer rumlig adfærd. Designere kan bruge farver strategisk til at guide bevægelse, forme følelser og tilpasse miljøets signaler til spillets tempo og krav. Lignende principper kan anvendes i belysning af bygninger og i brugerfladedesign, hvor intuitiv navigation er vigtig.

[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]

Lighting Design ; Color Psychology ; Game Design ; Player Navigation ; Environments

Download PDF
View record in AAU Student Projects