Effects of LED Lighting Color on Emotional States, Behavioral Response, and Spatial Impression

Heejin Lee (Michigan State University)

As light-emitting diode (LED) lighting technology has developed rapidly, use of color LED lighting has increased greatly. Color and lighting have each been documented as factors influencing people’s lives physiologically and psychologically for long (Igor, 1995; Salamone et al., 2009; Wu & Wang, 2015). However, few studies have examined the effects of lighting colors such as LED lighting on indoor space.

The purpose of this study is: (1) to investigate the effects of LED lighting color on occupants’ emotional states (i.e., pleasure and arousal) and behavioral response (i.e., approach or avoidance) in the interior space; (2) to explore the effects of six LED lighting colors on spatial impression. Mehrabian and Russell’s M-R model (1974) of Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) paradigm is used as a theoretical background. Based on the M-R model (1974), it is hypothesized that there are significant effects of six colors of LED lighting on emotional states and behavioral responses as well as spatial impression.

To test the hypotheses, an experimental research was conducted. A voluntary sampling method was employed in this study. The experiment was conducted in the Sensory Laboratory which contained seven individual booths with LED lighting fixtures at the top of each booth with a color changing systems. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data. The findings of the study proved that there are significant effects of LED lighting colors on people’s emotional states, behavioral intention, and spatial impression.

The findings of this study expect to contribute to the body of knowledge on color and lighting literature. It is expected to provide greater insight into the application of the M-R model and to provide the basis for developing practical guidelines for design professionals.