Background: As the aging population increases and flexible working becomes more common, many older workers are spending more time working from home, highlighting the need for optimized personal office environments.

Aims: This study investigates how different chromatic settings and lighting configurations affect comfort and work efficiency in older and younger workers, aiming to identify the special micro-working environments needed for the elderly.

Methods: Experiments were conducted in actual office settings with older participants (aged 50 and above) and a younger control group (under 35) performing the same screen-based psychological tests. Both groups were exposed to the same lighting conditions (4000K, 500 lux neutral white light at desktop). The background panel color was randomly changed every 40 minutes using detachable partitions in red, yellow, blue, and white. Continuous data collection included a spectroradiometer at eye level to capture light spectra, wearable devices to monitor Galvanic Skin Response, and millimeter-wave radar to record heart rate and respiration rate. Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and noise levels were also recorded. These data were time-stamped to reflect real-time interactions and trends in work productivity and physiological responses. Additionally, participants completed lighting satisfaction votes and the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale every ten minutes to assess subjective states.

Results: The data revealed unique color preferences for each individual and demonstrated differences in physiological responses and lighting evaluations between age groups.

Conclusions: The study concludes that older workers need appropriate lighting adjustments to reduce visual discomfort and mental fatigue.

Authors:
Shu Yi, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Tan Zheng, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Miss Yi is currently a Ph.D. student at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her research interests involve investigating lighting design and human perception, especially the lighting and well-being of young old group in the working environment.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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