Evaluation of color in digital nuclear power plant control room displays

Journal Article · 08 January 2025 · Applied Ergonomics

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2024.104429 · OSTI ID:2527247

Le Blanc, Katya L.  ^[1]; Kovesdi, Casey R.  ^[1]; Miguel, Chloe San ^[2]; Spielman, Zachary A  ^[1]; Hill, Rachael A.  ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
2. Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID (United States)

Human system interface design in industrial process control is guided by industry standards, human factors best practices, and domain-specific conventions, and often there is a conflict between one or more of the sources of design input for specific design elements. In the nuclear domain, one design element for which conflict arises is the use of color to represent equipment state. Here, this study evaluates the tradeoffs associated with using color in a process control display versus using white and shades of gray. The performance metrics were response time, accuracy, and eye movement metrics using a simplified experimental task and professional operators. Results revealed that adhering to color conventions in nuclear power yielded small advantages in simple tasks, but did not exist for more complex tasks. The results did not provide strong evidence for or against using a particular color scheme and revealed the need for further research on the use of color for commercial nuclear power plants and other process control industries.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC07-05ID14517
• OSTI ID: 2527247
• Report Number(s): INL/JOU--22-69588-Rev000
• Journal Information: Applied Ergonomics, Journal Name: Applied Ergonomics Vol. 125; ISSN 0003-6870
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English