Cars are Places, Too (08-16-10)

Engineers in Germany have investigated the influence of muted ambient light inside cars on the experience of being inside automobiles at night.  Previous research has determined the advantages of driver control of in-car ambient lighting (less distraction), and safe interior lighting intensity (less than 0.1 cd/square meter).  Blue (472nm) and orange (605 nm) ambient light were studied by Caberletti and team.  Blue light was perceived as brighter than orange light of equal intensity.  Within the same interior space, orange light seemed more luxurious than blue light, and increased perceptions of car quality.

L. Caberletti, K. Elfmann, M. Kummel, and C. Schierz.  “Influence of Ambient Lighting in a Vehicle Interior on the Driver’s Perceptions.”  Lighting Research and Technology, in press.