An Investigation of the Appropriate Level(s) and Ratio of Value Contrast for Partially Sighted Individuals

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the appropriate level of value contrast in built environments, including the ratio of dark value to light value color, to enable people with low vision to distinguish elements more readily from the surroundings. The study included a total of 20 participants from four locations in Texas. Participants received a two-part questionnaire: Part 1 recorded demographic information including age, gender, and visual acuity; Part 2 presented the central questions of the study relating to given images. All of the participants agreed that high value contrast images with at least 60% variance between the dark and light values were very easy to see. Participants also indicated that medium value contrast images with a variance of 30% were recognizable. Most of the participants also indicated a preference for light value to dark value in a built environment.