Task Type, Poster, and Workspace Color on Mood, Satisfaction, and Performance

Task type, poster presence, and workspace color were varied to determine their effects on mood, satisfaction, and performance. Students (n=112) performed either a low or high demand task in a blue or red workspace, without or with a scenic poster. Only hostility was significantly affected by task type. Satisfaction and performance were not significantly affected by posters or workspace color, although performance decreased for the high demand tasks and increased for the low demand tasks over time. Posters made the workplace more pleasant, but also increased perceived task demand. Perceived task demand was also marginally related to workplace color. Perceived task demand may moderate the effects of posters and workplace color on mood and other perceptions. Other data support the notion that cool colors are calming and warm colors are stimulating.