Effects of color display, color name, color formation and color alignment on the screen layout usability of customized product color combinations

This study investigated the effects of screen layout on the usability of a large number of color combination options for customized product. Using an L₁₈ orthogonal array, 18 interfaces were designed around four factors: color display, color name, color formation and alignment. Participants completed a color combination search task and a questionnaire concerning their satisfaction with the interfaces. Based on the search time and user satisfaction, the display of color samples by modular sections (itemized color chips) was found to be the optimal method of color selection. This arrangement reduced the number of combinations of color samples displayed on the screen and allowed efficient navigation of a large palette of color combinations. Vertical alignment aided the product color discrimination and reduced the search time. Users viewed various product color combinations directly with or without the aid of color names. Relevance to industry: Because of the considerable observed reductions in search time and the superior reported degrees of satisfaction associated with the tested configurations for customized product color combination, the findings of this study have important ramifications for consumers and manufacturers of products as diverse as sofas, curtains, clothing, athletic shoes, cars, mobile phones and the other customized products.