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Discussion/conclusion.
The hypothesis was partly supported by the results. In the Chinese group, the prefer-
ence for blue, fuchsia (purple), aqua (cyan), and gray (silver) amounted to 40% of the
responses. However, the most frequently cited colors were white and aqua (cyan). In
the Czech group, the preference for aqua (cyan), silver, and teal amounted to 45%,
but white was chosen by the largest part of the respondents. In both of the groups,
white was the most popular, followed by aqua. Every choice was backed by a practical
reason. It does not seem to be grounded in a habit.
33) Would you prefer a lighter or darker color (chroma)?
Chinese
Hypothesis.
Users would prefer lighter (pastel) colors, with a white background.
Results summary.
The majority of the respondents (63%) preferred light or lighter colors. Interestingly,
many of the answers cited that bright colors evoke happy, positive feelings, which
seemed to be very important for the respondents. Brighter colors were not rated too
positively, however, because they might hurt the eyes in the respondents' opinions.
Dark colors, on the other hand, would seem depressive for these people. Only a minor-
ity (26%) would prefer dark or darker colors in the UI. The reason these respondents
gave were based on ergonomics, as one can look longer at darker colors and still feel
comfortable. (See Figure 8.36(a).)
Czech
Results summary.
The majority of the respondents (60%) preferred light or lighter colors (almost spread
evenly between the two). The reasons were less eye strain, and an optimistic out-
look. Only 20% chose dark colors, because they provide a better contrast. (See Fig-
ure 8.36(b).)
Discussion/conclusion.
The hypothesis was supported by the results. We noticed a strong causal relation
between the color chroma and user's mood in the Chinese sample. Much preferred
were light colors, as these would inspire life and good feelings in the respondents. In
the Czech sample, the reasons were more grounded on habits and practical reasons,
but mood was also a strong factor.
34) Which foreground color do you like the most?
Chinese
Hypothesis.
UIs with the following foreground colors tend to be regarded as more aesthetic: white
or yellow.
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