The effect of computer frame color on readability

This research evaluates the effect on readability of the VDT display screen used in conjunction with different frame (or casing) color. Subjects were presented with positive and negative representation display screens, all of which had their casing (or frame) modified so that half the casing was colored black and the other white. They were asked to identify the occurrence of the letter "Z" among horizontal and vertical strings of characters representing the characters "Z" and "2" at random frequency. Results show that readability was enhanced with lesser screen-casing contrast and the absence of contrast resulted in the highest readability. There was no significant difference in subject performance with positive and negative presentation screens. A significant statistical difference in performance with horizontal strings over vertical strings points to cultural specificities as factors in the performance.