위계적 공간 정보 디자인을 위한 스트라이프 패턴을 활용한 컬러 코딩 전략에 관한 연구

Background Color coding utilizing color contrast has a direct impact on the effectiveness of visual ability to perceive difference and inconsistency. The components of perception and cognition can be used to generate information structure and hierarchy, and to create meaning ultimately. The purpose of this study is to derive formative characteristics of striped patterns applicable to color coding and to propose a design guideline for color-pattern combinations to maximize the meaning of color codes suitable for hierarchical information design. Methods We conducted a pair of experiments to measure the level of visual stress and symbolic effects according to changes in formative elements of striped patterns in terms of spatial frequency and stripe length in order to derive an appropriate range of two elements for color coding schemes. Results The results showed that the level of visual stress seems to be acceptable within the range of the stripe length of 10deg or less of the viewing angle and the spatial frequency of 1.1 cpd or less. When combined with colors, symbolic effects of "danger, caution, boundary, restriction, arousal, information, location, identification, guidance, contamination, aversion and isolation" appeared strong in orange and magenta colors specifically with black stripe patterns. In addition, the symbolic effect of "protection and cleanness" was highest in the blue and green colors with the solid pattern and lowest with the black stripes. Conclusions Based on the experimental results, this study proposed the ranges of formative elements of striped patterns applicable to visual information design in mobile clinic modules in terms of pattern width and stripe length. The results also derived color-pattern combination strategies for a color coding guide for hierarchical information designs and proposed an example of color-pattern design as information design practices to stand for negative pressure districts.