In search of evidence for the hue-heat hypothesis in the aircraft cabin

Abstract

This paper examines whether the use of coloured light can influence aircraft passengers’ temperature sensations and can make the climate be perceived as cooler or warmer (‘hue-heat hypothesis’), a phenomenon shown in earlier light laboratory experiments. Experiments with 199 subjects were conducted under realistic conditions, a cabin of a single-aisle aircraft. Two lighting scenarios (yellow and blue) were combined with different temperatures. Results show an effect in the hypothesized direction. The impact of lighting colour on climate perception and evaluation can be observed in the whole sample and in certain subgroups of subjects. The size of the effect agrees with former studies. A largescale application of this effect in the aircraft/aviation industry could lead to energy savings and contribute to cost effectiveness.