Color as a Visual Cue for Pointing Task Performance in Young Children

ABSTRACT This research examines the effect of color on pointing task performances across primary school first graders, aged seven and eight years old in school environments. The children were taken on the experiment route one by one that starts from point X and ends at point Y. The child was first escorted on the route and s/he was passed by gray or different colored boxes according to the experiment sets. Then s/he was asked to lead the researcher to the end point by the same route. When the children finished their route, they were taken outside of the building from the main entrance and they were asked to point out the end point of the route with their fingers. Statistical analyses of the results confirmed that color has a significant effect on the performance of children to accurately show the end point. Color seems to be helping children to visualize their environments and to improve their mental map. Both genders performed equally accurate. By investigating children’s spatial abilities in their natural environments, school administrators, architects, interior architects and designers become more aware about providing more legible physical environments to children for improving their spatial competence.