The effect of three body positions on colour preference: An exploration of microgravity and lunar gravity simulations

Understanding the colour preference in microgravity environments will enable better design of future spacecraft and extra-terrestrial environments. In this study, a space station's crew cabin was simulated and evaluated in 33 different colours by 55 participants using a standard body position change methodology in controlled conditions. Three body positions were tested, and included normal sitting position (SP), to reflect terrestrial conditions; −15° head-down (HD) bed rest, to simulate a microgravity state; and 9.6° head-up tilt (HU) bed rest, to simulate a lunar gravity state. VR devices were worn by participants to ensure an immersive environment in which to evaluate the different coloured environments across the three different body positions. The results show that in all colour environments, there was no significant difference in the colour preference between SP and HU, but there was a significant change in the colour preference in HD compared to SP and HU. In the three positions, the participants appeared to prefer lighter colours rather than darker ones, warmer colours in ST and HU, and cool colours in HD. In this short-term simulation study, no evidence of gender differences in colour preference by body position was found, but in each body position, men and women had different preference levels for basic hue and chroma brightness.