Stroop Effect
The delay in reaction time when the name of a color is printed in a color not denoted by the name, demonstrating that automatic reading can interfere with color identification.
When to Use
Ensure text and color alignment
Make sure that text colors and their meanings align to avoid confusion and processing delays.
Use consistent color coding
Maintain consistent color meanings throughout your interface to reduce cognitive conflict.
Support colorblind users
Don't rely solely on color to convey information, as this can create conflicts and accessibility issues.
When to Avoid
Don't create conflicting signals
Avoid situations where text, color, or other signals conflict with each other, as this creates processing delays.
Origin
The Stroop Effect was discovered by John Ridley Stroop in 1935. His experiments showed that when the name of a color is printed in a different color (e.g., the word "red" printed in blue), people take longer to identify the color and make more errors. This demonstrates how automatic processes (reading) can interfere with other tasks (color identification).