Psychological Aspects of Correlated Color Temperature of Light

Abstract

Light, as a fundamental element of life on Earth, has multiple physical characteristics that have a significant impact on human perception, health, and daily functioning. The physical properties of light, such as wavelength and intensity, are fundamental features that determine how it interacts with the visual system. In addition, the correlated color temperature of light, although not a fundamental property in the psychophysiology of perception, is a relevant physical characteristic often used to describe the qualitative aspects of light sources, especially artificial ones. The aim of this text is to systematically present current scientific knowledge about the psychological effects of the correlated color temperature of light on human behavior, with an emphasis on its effect on perception, biological rhythms, and cognitive functions. By analyzing recent research and technological innovations in the field of lighting, this work aims to contribute to a better understanding of how the adjustment of primarily artificial lighting conditions can improve the daily life quality and human functioning. This is important because in the modern world, artificial light sources such as LED technology have greatly expanded the possibilities for manipulating light spectra, enabling the adjustment of lighting conditions to meet diverse human needs. The text emphasizes the role of blue light, whose effect on biological processes is significant because it participates in the regulation of circadian rhythms and can indirectly affect certain aspects of cognitive functioning, such as attention and working memory. Therefore, the correlated color temperature of light, a concept that describes the tonality of light from warm reddish to cool bluish shades, is becoming an increasingly important factor in everyday life, especially in the context of optimizing lighting for different activities. The future of lighting lies in the development of dynamic lighting systems that enable real-time personalization of lighting conditions, opening new perspectives in improving the quality of life.