How your display "keeps up with the times"

What influence does the lighting of our displays actually have on how we feel? For all those who have already asked themselves this question, here is the answer - and above all a valuable tip for a digital solution that ensures ideal lighting conditions.

By Manuel Meyer

In the context of the Corona pandemic, the working behaviour of many has changed. The home office has taken hold and this may also have caused people to be active at the screen at different times. For example, the newly gained flexibility allows work to be scheduled according to the circadian or sleep-wake rhythms.

However, working in the evening has a crucial disadvantage: especially in the dark, the glaring light from electronic devices can have a negative impact on the sleep-wake rhythm and reduce the quality of sleep. This is where this hack comes in.

Noob Hack

The free f.lux software can be installed on the most common platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, IPhone/IPad, Android). It changes the colour composition of the screen and adapts it to the solar cycle. During the day the display is bright, in the evening and at night the colour changes from white brightness to a warmer and less dazzling light tone. This has the advantage of being easier on the eyes and less disruptive to the sleep-wake rhythm.

The illustration shows the change in the temperature value of the colour over a period of 24 hours, which f.lux determines depending on the geographical location.

Pro Hack

For the nerds among the readers, there is even more. On the f.lux website you can also read about the science behind the product. The «fluxometer» explains how the screen properties are set on which device.

In the fluxometer, the different colour temperatures in Kelvin can be tried out for a specific device.

The colour values are then compared with daylight and explained. In this example, the colour temperature is "good for the office, but too bright after dark".

In the «research» section, there is more interesting information about the influence display light can have on human sleep and how, for example, reading in a book and on a tablet differ.
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