Is there any research out there showing whether or not alternating the row colors for a table increases/impedes the time it takes to parse information? An example can be found at the following location:
I generally find it easy to associate the input fields with the row names as long as the table is formatted correctly. So, I am not sure if alternating the colors actually adds to the user experience, but I guess I can see why this is stylistically appealing.
Answer
Jessica Enders wrote an article on A List Apart about three studies she did to determine whether "zebra stripes" are helpful.
The first study, described in an earlier article, tested users' ability to read and interpret data in a simple table. The second study was similar to the first, with an improved methodology. The third study attempted to determine whether users tend to have a subjective preference for striped tables.
The recommendation
The results of the three studies conducted to date suggest that the safest option is to shade the alternating, individual rows of your table with a single color. Taking this approach is likely to ensure that:
- task performance is better, or at least no worse, than with other table styles, and
- the aesthetic sensibilities and subjective preferences of the majority of your users are catered for.
If zebra striping of this type cannot be done easily, then ruling a line between each row may be the next best option.
Update: Don't miss Filipe Hoffa's answer below.
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