Human–computer interaction display techniques: What does “reverse video” do on a display screen?

Introduction / Context:
User interface design uses visual cues to direct attention and indicate state (selection, focus, error). “Reverse video” (also called “inverse video”) is a long-standing technique from text terminals to modern UIs for highlighting content quickly without additional colors or graphics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Displays can invert foreground (text) and background (field) attributes.
• The intention is emphasis, selection, or alerting.
• We are differentiating inversion from brightness, orientation, or redaction.

Concept / Approach:
Reverse video swaps foreground and background attributes, making a selected field or message visually stand out. On monochrome terminals this meant black-on-white instead of white-on-black; in modern UIs, selection/highlight states often use an inverse or high-contrast style. It is not about dimming brightness, flipping orientation, or concealing data.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Terminal control codes (ANSI/VT100) include inverse video for selection; contemporary accessibility guidelines leverage contrast to draw attention, consistent with reverse-video behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Half brightness: Refers to dimming; not inversion.
• Upside down: A rotation/orientation issue, not highlighting.
• Hiding confidential data: Masking/obfuscation, not visual emphasis.

Common Pitfalls:
Overusing inversion causing visual fatigue; failing to ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility when inverting colors over images or gradients.

Final Answer:
emphasizing data by reversing the foreground and background