Luminance is a photometric measure that quantifies the perceived brightness of a surface, taking into account the human eye's varying sensitivity to different wavelengths of light. It is a fundamental concept in the fields of visual design, lighting design, and color theory. Luminance is measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m²) and is determined by the spectral power distribution of the light source and the reflectance properties of the surface. In the context of digital displays, luminance refers to the amount of light emitted per unit area, which directly influences the perceived brightness and contrast of the image. Designers must carefully consider luminance when creating visual content to ensure optimal legibility, visual comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Factors such as ambient lighting conditions, display technology, and user preferences all influence the appropriate luminance levels for a given application. In print media, luminance is affected by the reflectance properties of the paper and ink, as well as the illumination conditions under which the material is viewed. Understanding and effectively manipulating luminance is crucial for designers to create visually engaging and effective designs across a wide range of media and viewing environments.
Brightness, Contrast, Illumination, Candela, Reflectance, Spectral Power Distribution, Visual Comfort, Legibility
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Luminance.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=432871 (Accessed on July 09, 2025)"
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