Impact Of Human Factors Research Articles

Soil Erosion Characteristics in Tropical Island Watersheds Based on CSLE Model: Discussion of Driving Mechanisms

Previous research has primarily focused on soil erosion issues in arid and semi-arid regions, with a limited understanding of soil erosion mechanisms in tropical areas. Additionally, there is a lack of a holistic perspective to determine the spatial attribution of soil erosion. The conversion of tropical rainforests into economically driven plantations, like rubber and pulpwood, has resulted in distinct soil erosion characteristics in specific regions. To enhance our knowledge of soil erosion patterns and mechanisms in tropical regions, it is necessary to examine soil erosion in the three major watersheds of Hainan Island from 1991 to 2021, which encompass significant geographical features such as tropical island water sources and tropical rainforest national parks. The study employed the China Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) model, slope trend analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, land-use transfer matrix, and spatial attribution analysis to examine soil erosion under different scenarios. The research results indicate that scenarios driven by the combination of natural and human factors have the greatest impact on soil erosion changes in the entire study area. Co-driven increases affected 53.56% of the area, while co-driven decreases affected 21.74%. The 31-year soil erosion showed an overall increasing trend. Human factors were identified as the primary drivers of increased soil erosion in the Nandu River basin, while a combination of climate and anthropogenic factors influenced the decrease in soil erosion. In the Changhua River basin, climate and human activities contributed to the soil erosion increase, while human activities primarily caused the decrease in soil erosion. In the Wanquan River basin, climate intensified soil erosion, whereas human activities mitigated it. This study underscores the significant combined impact of human activities and natural factors on soil erosion in tropical regions. It emphasizes the importance of considering human-induced factors when implementing soil erosion control measures in tropical regions.

Multiscale Analysis for Identifying the Impact of Human and Natural Factors on Water-Related Ecosystem Services

Accurately identifying and obtaining changes in ecosystem drivers and the spatial heterogeneity of their impacts on ecosystem services can provide comprehensive support information for ecological governance. In this study, we investigate the changes in the relationship between human and natural factors and water-related ecosystem services (WESs) in different sub-watersheds across various time periods, focusing on four aspects: single-factor effect, nonlinear effect, interactive effects, and spatial characteristics. Taking the southern basins, which have complex topographic, climatic, and economic characteristics, as a study area, the study area was divided into four sub-basins with different characteristics. WESs of water yield, soil conservation, and water purification were quantified using the InVEST model for five periods from 2000 to 2020, and the OPGD and MGWR models were integrated to assess the impacts of 15 factors on WESs and their spatial characteristics. The results show the following: (1) After comparing the data over multiple time periods, climate factors such as precipitation (0.4033) are the primary factors affecting WESs in the southern basins, and human factors such as construction area (0.0688) have a weaker influence. The direct impact of human factors on WESs is not significant in the short term but increases over time. (2) Different sub-watersheds have different impacts on WESs. For instance, human activity intensity (0.3518) is a key factor affecting WESs in the Inward Flowing Area, while precipitation is the primary factor influencing WESs in other sub-watersheds. (3) Influencing factors and WES changes are often nonlinearly correlated; however, once a certain threshold is exceeded, they may have adverse impacts on WESs. (4) When a single factor interacts with other factors, its explanatory power tends to increase. (5) Compared to traditional methods, the estimation accuracy of MGWR is higher. Intense human activities can adversely affect WESs, while abundant precipitation creates favorable conditions for the formation of WESs. Therefore, integrating long-time-series multi-remote sensing data with OPGD and MGWR models is suitable for identifying and analyzing the driving mechanisms of human and natural factors that influence changes in WESs. Against the backdrop of global change, elucidating the driving factors of ecosystem services can provide crucial insights for developing practical policies and land management applications.

Towards ‘Vision-Zero’ in Road Traffic Fatalities: The Need for Reasonable Degrees of Automation to Complement Human Efforts in Driving Operation

Human factors play a huge role in road traffic safety. Research has found that a huge proportion of traffic crashes occur due to some form of human error. Improving road user behavior has been the major strategy that has been emphasized for improving road traffic safety. Meanwhile, despite the training efforts, and testing for drivers, the global status of road traffic safety is alarming. This research highlights the seriousness of human factors on road traffic safety and provides actionable strategies to greatly reduce the negative impact of human factors on road traffic safety. Motor vehicle safety data that were made available online by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics were reviewed to evaluate the severity of traffic collisions. To evaluate the extent of human factors in motor vehicle traffic fatalities, data for Canadian motor vehicle traffic collision statistics were reviewed. The study confirms that human factors (such as driver distraction, fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol etc.) play a huge role in road traffic fatalities. The need for a reasonable degree of automation to help reduce the impacts of human factors on road safety and recommendations aimed at providing widespread support for a reasonable degree of automation systems in driving tasks are presented. Actionable strategies that can be implemented by policymakers to reduce global road traffic fatalities are also presented.

Human factors in cybersecurity: an in depth analysis of user centric studies

This study delves into the intricate intersection of human behavior, cognition, and technology within the cybersecurity domain, aiming to enhance our understanding of the human-centric challenges influencing the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures. The primary objective is to unravel the nuanced landscape where human errors persist as a significant contributing factor to security breaches, emphasizing the need for a holistic comprehension of human factors. The study recognizes the evolving nature of work, with an increasing number of individuals operating from home, and the consequential challenges in managing human factors in the digital era. The blurring lines between private and public lives, coupled with the rise of social credit systems, necessitate a thorough examination of key elements intersecting with cybersecurity Employing a systematic literature review, this research methodically identifies, filters, and analyzes pertinent literature concerning human-centric factors in cybersecurity. The systematic approach involves the formulation of specific research questions guiding the study, strategic search plans targeting reputable databases, and meticulous study selection processes based on predefined criteria The study unfolds through a series of interconnected research questions, addressing the impact of human factors on operational efficiency, challenges in the adoption of human-centric approaches, and the ways in which human factors influence strategic decision-making in cybersecurity. The results shed light on the substantial contribution of understanding user behavior and cognitive processes to the development of tailored cybersecurity strategies. Challenges, such as security fatigue and the scarcity of psychology-based professionals, are addressed, advocating for human factors engineering and strategic initiatives to enhance education and training programs. In conclusion, embracing a human-centric paradigm emerges as imperative for organizations striving to fortify their defenses against dynamic and sophisticated cyber threats. Integrating technology with a profound understanding of human factors becomes the cornerstone for shaping a resilient and adaptive cybersecurity future.

РАЗРАБОТКА СХЕМЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЖИЗНЕННЫМ ЦИКЛОМ МНОГОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ВЫСОТНОГО ЗДАНИЯ КИНЕТИЧЕСКОГО ТИПА НА СТАДИИ ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ

The aim of the research is to explore paths and solutions for the effective management of capital construction objects during the operational phase. Throughout the study, life cycles of capital construction objects were examined and analyzed, justifying the feasibility of enhancing the life cycle management system during the operational stage. To optimize the operation of a building and improve its efficiency, the implementation of BIM technologies into the management process of capital construction objects is proposed, taking into account the peculiarities of the kinetic construction project. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring of structures and mechanisms, determining their "fatigue" level, microclimate, the functionality of automation systems, alertness, and the impact of human factors on the attractiveness of the real estate object. Specifically for the project, a conceptual management scheme has been developed, adapted for a multifunctional kinetic high-rise building, and its applicability can also extend to other capital construction objects. Such a scheme includes multi-level automation of the management system, implying subordination to a unified center, the system's brain, and a multitude of controllers that collect and process information from sensors. Using a well-defined algorithm, they quickly respond to tasks and efficiently manage one or several elements of the system

An analytical hierarchy approach for studying the impact of human error, environmental factors, and equipment failure on mine accidents: a case study in India

An analytical hierarchy approach for studying the impact of human error, environmental factors, and equipment failure on mine accidents: a case study in India

The land transport efficiency in Wasit Governorate: Urban and rural settlements

The study of human factors and the extent of their impact on the construction of land transport roads is of great importance because they are variable factors, which are on the contrary natural factors, and the impact of human factors on road construction operations is evident through the study of population distribution and size, and economic activities (agricultural, industrial, tourism). And its direct mutual relationship with the construction and extension of land transport routes and the development of each of them, and then directing them to serve urban and rural human settlements, which leads to their development and improvement of their economic, living and social conditions on the one hand, and contributes to the emergence of new centers for human settlement on the other hand.

Human Factors at Play: Understanding the Impact of Conditioning on Presence and Reaction Time in Mixed Reality.

A prerequisite to improving the presence of a user in mixed reality (MR) is the ability to measure and quantify presence. Traditionally, subjective questionnaires have been used to assess the level of presence. However, recent studies have shown that presence is correlated with objective and systemic human performance measures such as reaction time. These studies analyze the correlation between presence and reaction time when technical factors such as object realism and plausibility of the object's behavior change. However, additional psychological and physiological human factors can also impact presence. It is unclear if presence can be mapped to and correlated with reaction time when human factors such as conditioning are involved. To answer this question, we conducted an exploratory study ($N=60$) where the relationship between presence and reaction time was assessed under three different conditioning scenarios: control, positive, and negative. We demonstrated that human factors impact presence. We found that presence scores and reaction times are significantly correlated (correlation coefficient of -0.64), suggesting that the impact of human factors on reaction time correlates with its effect on presence. In demonstrating that, our study takes another important step toward using objective and systemic measures like reaction time as a presence measure.

Internet of Things Driven Automated Production Systems using Machine Learning

With the advent of Industry 4.0, integrating Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become crucial in automated production. This study examines the interplay between technological advancements and human factors, particularly the social aspects within this dynamic environment. In the context of Industry 4.0, where CPS and IoT intersect, human factors significantly impact the design, implementation, and operation of automated production systems. This research highlights the mutually beneficial interactions among CPS, IoT, and human-centric components, focusing on how these technologies influence social interactions in automated industrial settings. The integration of intelligent robots and human operators fosters new collaboration and communication models. Understanding these social interactions is key to enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of Industry 4.0 manufacturing. Additionally, the study examines the role of social networks, where CPS and IoT technologies facilitate essential connections between humans and machines. In summary, this research emphasizes the need to incorporate social aspects into developing and implementing Industry 4.0 technologies. Recognizing the impact of CPS, IoT, and human factors on social interactions and networks enables a more comprehensive and efficient technological integration in Industry 4.0.

Evaluation and comparison of different methods for determining the contribution of climatic factors and direct human interventions in reducing watershed discharge

Planning for reducing climate changes impacts and human interventions on river discharge relies on determining the extent to which factor has contributed to the observed changes. However, the diversity of approaches and methods proposed for assessing the impact of human and climatic factors, coupled with limitations in data and time, necessitate the careful selection of suitable methods. This study aims to address these challenges by providing a reliable framework to reduce uncertainty and select appropriate methods for quantifying the contribution of human and climatic factors to runoff changes using available information. To achieve this goal, a comparative analysis of different approaches and methods was conducted in three stages: trend determination, assessment of homogeneity and breakpoints of the meteorological and hydrological watershed, and quantification of the contribution of climatic and human factors, followed by validation against real evidence. Subsequently, these methods were employed to evaluate the contribution of climatic and human factors in the Boukan watershed, enabling a quantitative comparison of the results. The findings revealed an upward trend in temperature, a downward trend in precipitation and runoff, and significant changes in annual runoff in 1997. The results obtained from various methods exhibited a range of variations, attributing human factors to 35% to 85% of the reduction in runoff, while climatic factors accounted for 15% to 64%. In general, the box plot analysis indicated that human factors contributed approximately 57% on average, whereas climatic factors contributed around an average of 47%. Additionally, the examination of land use changes, resource utilization, and consumption patterns further supported the notion of human factors playing a more substantial role in the regional runoff reduction. Based on the available evidence, the double-mass curve methods, the water balance model, and the SWAT are identified as the most suitable approaches for this watershed, displaying a better fit to reality. Therefore, given the wide range of results, adopting multiple methods with different methodologies becomes crucial to reduce uncertainty. In this context, the proposed framework can serve as a valuable guide for selecting appropriate methods and decision-making processes.

Quantification of water erosion using the RUSLE method in the Mazer watershed (Berrechid region, Morocco)

The losses of soil due to water erosion pose a major problem exacerbating land degradation in many regions worldwide, including Morocco. Soil degradation has detrimental consequences for agriculture, ecosystems, and the environment in general. In this context, the main objective of this study is to assess the risk of soil erosion in the Mazer watershed, located at the heart of a significant agricultural region in the Settat province of Morocco. To achieve this goal, we have employed an advanced methodology that combines the use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with the advantages offered by the Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing. This approach allows us to analyze five key factors contributing to soil losses through water erosion: rainfall erosivity (R), soil erodibility (K), vegetation cover (C), topography (LS), and anti-erosion practices (P). By overlaying these five elements, we have developed a quantitative map of soil losses for the Mazer watershed. The results show an average soil degradation of 77.2 tons per hectare per year, with variations ranging from 0.6 to 885.2 tons per hectare per year. This diversity highlights the significant impact of environmental and human factors. This precise methodology enables the identification of major contributors to erosion, facilitating the implementation of tailored protective measures. Understanding the causes of water erosion is essential for promoting sustainable agricultural practices, soil conservation, and environmental policies aimed at preserving the ecosystem and local natural resources, thereby mitigating soil erosion and promoting sustainability.

UTJECAJ LJUDSKIH ČIMBENIKA NA SIGURNOST ZRAČNOG PROMETA

This paper explores the significant impact of human factors on aviation safety, with a particular emphasis on air traffic operations as a complex chain where human factors play a crucial role. With the rapid growth and technological advancement in aviation, operations are becoming increasingly complex, leading to increased workload on the crew and other personnel. This intricate chain encompasses various phases, including flight planning, execution, air traffic control, and ground operations, when human factors plac a pivotal role at every step. Air traffic operations are highly sensitive to human errors, especially under conditions of high stress, fatigue, or emotional tension. The rapid growth of air traffic and technological advancement often lead to the neglect of human factors. However, research indicates that these factors remain one of the primary causes of incidents and accidents in aviation. To ensure flight safety in this dynamic environment, it is crucial to understand and effectively manage human factors by providing support to personnel and ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.

Impact of organisational, environmental, technological and human factors on cloud computing adoption for university libraries

Cloud computing has emerged as a transformative technology in many industries, including academia. As large information repositories, university libraries stand to benefit significantly from the increasing use of cloud computing. University library services especially in developing countries have been limited to what can be provided within the physical premises, potentially leading to a less flexible and less accessible information service delivery model. This situation is driven by the existing technology divide and the myriad challenges associated with information technology (IT) adoption, such as political instability, deficiencies in IT infrastructure, regulatory policies, organisational constraints, and government initiatives or support. To enhance the efficient service delivery of university libraries through the adoption of innovative IT, a thorough study to consider organisational, environmental, technological, and human issues is needed because it can be used as guidelines to assist university libraries in leapfrogging their efforts as a motivation for adopting cloud computing technology for efficient service delivery. The present study examines the success factors contributing to the adoption of cloud computing in university libraries. In light of the abovementioned factors, a review of 25 papers was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach for study selection. The review’s findings demonstrate that various factors significantly influence cloud computing adoption in university libraries. Organisational factors, including top management support, training and education, organisational intention, and readiness, speed up the adoption process. Environmental factors, including competitive pressure, regulatory policies, government support, and service provider support, also impact the adoption of cloud computing. Technology-related factors, including relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity, must be considered for successful adoption. Furthermore, the extent to which cloud computing finds acceptance within university libraries is notably shaped by human factors, encompassing elements such as the attitudes and perceptions of staff towards IT change, the internal IT proficiency within the institution, and the prior technological experiences of the staff. Based on the findings, this study recommends formulating a comprehensive framework that considers all these constituent factors to facilitate the wider adoption of cloud computing in university library settings. Such a framework should focus on providing robust top-level management support, enhancing staff education and training, considering the influence of environmental factors, addressing pertinent technological challenges, and cultivating a pro-change mindset among library personnel

Novel stem cell technologies are powerful tools to understand the impact of human factors on Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Plasmodium falciparum parasites have a complex life cycle, but the most clinically relevant stage of the disease is the invasion of erythrocytes and the proliferation of the parasite in the blood. The influence of human genetic traits on malaria has been known for a long time, however understanding the role of the proteins involved is hampered by the anuclear nature of erythrocytes that makes them inaccessible to genetic tools. Here we overcome this limitation using stem cells to generate erythroid cells with an in-vitro differentiation protocol and assess parasite invasion with an adaptation of flow cytometry to detect parasite hemozoin. We combine this strategy with reprogramming of patient cells to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and genome editing to understand the role of key genes and human traits in malaria infection. We show that deletion of basigin ablates invasion while deletion of ATP2B4 has a minor effect and that erythroid cells from reprogrammed patient-derived HbBart α-thalassemia samples poorly support infection. The possibility to obtain patient-secific and genetically modifed erythoid cells offers an unparalleled opportunity to study the role of human genes and polymorphisms in malaria allowing preservation of the genomic background to demonstrate their function and understand their mechanisms.

Exploring the Convergence of Design, Security, and Human Dynamics in Social Networks in India

This Exploration dives into the complex exchange between social networks, zeroing in on their design, security measures, and the impact of human factors. As social networks keep on molding present day correspondence and connection, understanding their elements turns out to be progressively pivotal. The examination investigates the architecture and user-focused design rules that improve user experiences, encourage community associations, and empower self-expression. All the while, the review tends to the squeezing security challenges presented by these platforms, dissecting risks like identity theft and misinformation dispersal, and proposing techniques for powerful encryption and data protection. Moreover, the review digs into the domain of human behavior and brain research, clarifying how individual inspirations, cognitive biases, and social standards add to content creation, sharing, and commitment inside social networks. The bits of knowledge acquired give a complete perspective on what user activities mean for network elements and the development of online networks. By exploring these aspects, the review expects to illuminate platform developers and policymakers, offering important direction on upgrading design, carrying out powerful security measures, and figuring out user behavior. Eventually, this examination adds to an all-encompassing comprehension of social networks, introducing a diverse investigation of design, security, and human factors. The discoveries guide the advancement of more user-centric, secure, and socially significant social organization platforms that line up with user inclinations and contribute decidedly to the digital landscape.

The negative impacts of human activities on the ecological corridor in the karst highly urbanized area are gradually diminishing: A case study from the karst mountain cities in Southwest China

Karst mountain cities are important population agglomerations in southwestern China, as well as integral components of the significant regional economic belt - the Central Guizhou Economic Belt. Ecological corridors serve as crucial pathways for species migration and play a vital role in integrating regional habitats, particularly in the highly fragmented and ecologically vulnerable karst areas. However, it is not yet clear how human activities and natural factors drive the distribution of ecological corridors in the rapidly expanding urban areas of karst region. In light of this, based on multi-source data from 2005 to 2020, this study identified ecological source areas using ecological sensitivity analysis and a resistance surface model was adjusted using the rocky desertification factor. The Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model was employed to extract ecological corridors for each of the four time periods. Furthermore, space syntax analysis was conducted to evaluate the selection, integration, and depth of the corridors under different levels of urbanization. Finally, correlation analysis in R language was performed to determine the degree of influence of various driving factors on the distribution of ecological corridors. Our findings indicate that during the urbanization process, the negative impact of human disturbance factors on corridor distribution in highly urbanized areas has decreased. And the overall development of ecological corridors in the research region has shown improvement over the past 20 years. However, extreme climatic conditions have negatively affected the distribution of ecological corridors. Additionally, policy-driven measures will have an impact on the distribution of ecological corridors. By exploring the spatiotemporal differentiation and driving mechanisms of corridors in Karst mountain cities over the past two decades, our research will provide scientific evidence for biodiversity conservation and the construction of ecologically secure environments in karst areas.

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Students’ Classroom Experience in Online Teaching

Under the COVID-19 outbreak, the traditional teaching mode in universities is limited, and online teaching is in full swing. However, various factors that affect students’ online classroom experience in teaching have characteristics of fuzziness and uncertainty. Therefore, using the course of human resource management as an example, this paper employs the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the classroom experience of online teaching students. This paper aims to minimize the impact of human or subjective factors by developing a scientific, rational, and practical multilevel fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for assessing students’ classroom experience in online teaching courses.

A40The importance of human factors and the implementation of the ‘Social GRACES’ in simulation training: a 6-month review of foundation simulation training at Guys and St Thomas’ (GSTT) NHS Foundation Trust

Traditionally the focus of simulation has been centred on clinical management. More recently there has been a drive to enhance training on ‘human factors’ [1]. In simulation, human factors can be challenging to replicate, particularly with regards to how individuals interact within a system. At GSTT we introduced a concept known as ‘social GRACES’ into simulation training. Social GRACES, first described by John Burnham in 1992 [2], outline a framework to understand an individual’s personal and social identity. An abundance of research into the development of human factors skills exists in the literature. Our aim was to integrate social GRACES into our simulation programme as a novel approach to engage trainees with human factors. Between October 2022- April 2023, there were 23 full-day simulation training days. The course started with an introduction on human factors and the social GRACES. This was followed by a ‘lost at sea’ activity where trainees worked individually and in teams to prioritize the items they would take if lost at sea. This was followed by 4 clinical scenarios with debriefs related to clinical management, human factors and social GRACES. Pre and post course questionnaires were disseminated, and delegates were consented for data being used for quality improvement. Unique identifiers allowed for paired data analysis. 101 pre-course and 138 post-course feedback forms were received. To allow for paired analysis, only completion of both questionnaires was included, leaving 83 responses. There was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of responders who strongly agreed they felt confident in recognizing (7.2%-35.2%), assessing (15.7%-43.4%), managing (3.6%-20.5%) and escalating care (15.7%-35%), in acutely unwell patients. Additionally, confidence improved in understanding the impact of human factors in delivering care (9.6%-35%) and the performance of healthcare professionals (9.6%-39.8%). We explored confidence with regards to the practical implementation of human factors in healthcare ( 10 questions were devised to assess confidence relating to practical aspects of human factors in healthcare with regards to teamwork, communication, and leadership. Following paired data analysis, we found a statistically significant improvement in confidence in all areas investigated. The results demonstrate that the interplay between managing acute clinical scenarios & human factors can effectively be taught through simulation and enhanced with an understanding of social GRACES. An increased understanding of human factors and simulation training was useful in improving 3 crucial skills; teamwork, communication and leadership, which are instrumental in improving clinician confidence and patient outcomes. Future direction should look to include awareness and implementation of human factors within mainstream simulation to effectively replicate real time clinical scenarios & pressures. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

An Empirical Investigation Into the Influence of Software Communities’ Cultural and Geographical Dispersion on Productivity

Estimating and understanding software development productivity represent crucial tasks for researchers and practitioners. Although different works focused on evaluating the impact of human factors on productivity, a few explored the influence of cultural/geographical diversity in software development communities. More particularly, all previous treatise addresses cultural aspects as abstract concepts without providing a quantitative representation. Improved knowledge of these matters might help project managers to assemble more productive teams and tool vendors to design software analytics toolkits that may better estimate productivity. This paper has the goal of enlarging the existing body of knowledge on the factors affecting productivity by focusing on cultural and geographical dispersion of a development community—namely, how diverse a community is in terms of cultural attitudes and geographical collocation of the members who belong to it. To reach this goal, we performed a mixed-method empirical study. First, we built a statistical model relating dispersion metrics with the productivity of 25 open-source communities on Github. Then, we performed a confirmatory survey with 140 practitioners. The key results of our study indicate that cultural and geographical dispersion considerably impact productivity, thus encouraging managers and practitioners to consider such aspects during all the phases of the software development lifecycle. We conclude our paper by elaborating on the main insights from our analyses and instilling implications that may drive further research.

On the utility of Colour in shape analysis: An introduction to Colour science via palaeographical case studies

In this article, we explore the use of colour for the analysis of shapes in digital images. We argue that colour can provide unique information that is not available from shape alone, and that familiarity with the interdisciplinary field of colour science is essential for unlocking the potential of colour. Within this perspective, we offer an illustrated overview of the colour-related aspects of image management and processing, perceptual psychology, and cultural studies, using for exemplary purposes case studies focused on computational palaeography. We also discuss the changing roles of colour in society and the sciences, and provide technical solutions for using digital colour effectively, highlighting the impact of human factors. The article concludes with an annotated bibliography. This work is a primer, and its intended readership are scholars and computer scientists unfamiliar with colour science.