Changes in attention and mental rotation performance in relation to luminance variations in educational spaces

This paper attempts to investigate attention and mental rotation performance of students under two groups of luminance ratios in the visual field during VDT work. Each experiment was conducted under daylit conditions and consisted of two trials (with and without shading device) which were carried out in one experimental session. Twenty university students were recruited as participants to perform cognitive test as well as to administer subjective evaluations in a mock-up VDT station. Luminance ratios were grouped based on the ratios between bright light and direct surroundings. Results showed that the students gave faster responses for finding the correct target when the luminance distribution was not uniform whereas the number of correct answers given was higher when the luminance distribution was uniform. Subjective sensation of visual discomfort and lighting appraisal were in the same trend, indicating uniform luminance distribution was more appreciated by the participants. Based on these findings, the study provides additional insights in the effect of luminance patterns on individuals' performance, health and wellbeing in educational buildings.