Effect of lighting illuminance and colour temperature on mental workload in an office setting

Abstract The mental workload of subjects was tested under different lighting conditions, with colour temperatures ranging from 3000 to 6500 K and illuminance 300 1000 lx. We used both psychological physiological responses for evaluation. former based on NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX, NASA), the latter electroencephalogram (EEG) P3b analysis event-related potentials using “oddball” paradigm experimental task. results show that as increases, response time becomes longer a temperature (P < 0.01). However, when is set at K, shorter increases amplitudes were significantly affected by = 0.009) 0.038) levels. highest occurred 750 lx, which consistent trend shown subjective scale. data error rates not significant. These suggest an office environment illumination exerts lowest workload, most suitable working. interaction between in affecting participants clear. This work provides more appropriate choices reduce people’s settings.