The effects of colors in a work environment: A case study in Çankaya University Library

The interior environment has proven the impacts on the occupants' behavior and health status. Moreover, color has different psychological and physiological effects on humans that are researched and confirmed through the different studies in the literature. In this research, the impact of color in a work environment is investigated. Firstly, the literature review is performed, where different results had been found for the different colors; red, blue (chromatic), black and white (achromatic). The studies suggest several effects of colors on the human body and mind through several levels of impact. Through the case study of this research, four colors based on the NCS color system are chosen for their frequent use in the research and contrast to each other; white, black, red and blue. Through a performance test designed to simulate a work environment, fifty participants have taken two sets of questions. The performance of the participants is assessed based on productivity (completion time) and accuracy (number of correct answers). By applying one-way ANOVA and t-test analyses on the full set of the results, a significant difference at the p<0.05 level have been found between the four colors based on productivity and accuracy. Moreover, white and black colors have been found more suitable for office areas, where productivity is required, while red and blue can be used in workshop and meeting areas to simulate activeness and intensity.