Wayfinding Signage for People with Color Blindness

Abstract

Color plays an important role in conveying information through communication systems such as signage and electronic devices. However, people who are color-blind often have difficulties understanding that information because most systems are designed for people who can distinguish colors. The purpose of this study is to propose color combinations for wayfinding signage in public areas that are discriminable and esthetically pleasing for people with and without color blindness. By using a simulation method, this study examined how people with color blindness perceive eight hues of red, green, blue, yellow, orange, purple, cyan, and chartreuse on the natural color system color chart. It also investigated how the current wayfinding signage in Seoul is friendly to the color blind and presented examples of color-blind-friendly color combinations by applying color functions and color harmony theories. This study helps people with color blindness, by offering design professionals insight into more inclusive wayfinding signage that will be of use to people with and without color blindness.