Colour Psychology design notes

Common facts about colour Psychology

Meaning of the Color Blue 

Blue is the overwhelming "favorite color." Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives.
As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration.
Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least "gender specific" color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
How the color blue affects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition

The Color Psychology of Blue

• Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men.
• Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.
• Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.
• Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms.
• Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is one of the least appetizing. Some weight loss plans even recommend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food aside from blueberries and some plums. Also, humans are geared to avoid foods that are poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.
• Blue can also lower the pulse rate and body temperature.
• Consider how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, the blues, and blue ribbon.

Meaning of the Color Green 

Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.
The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as do the "slimy" or bilious greens.
How the color green affects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

The Color Psychology of Green

• Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world.
• Green also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.
• Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension.
• Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M's (an American chocolate candy) are said to send a sexual message.
• Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect. For example, guests waiting to appear on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax.
• Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches.
• Consider how green is used in language: green thumb, green with envy, greenhorn.

Meaning of the Color Yellow 

Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.
How the color yellow affects us mentally and physically
* Mentally stimulating
* Stimulates the nervous system
* Activates memory
* Encourages communication

The Color Psychology of Yellow

• Yellow is a bright that is often described as cheery and warm.
• Yellow is also the most fatiguing to the eye due to the high amount of light that is reflected. Using yellow as a background on paper or computer monitors can lead to eyestrain or vision loss in extreme cases.
• Yellow can also create feelings of frustration and anger. While it is considered a cheerful color, people are more likely to lose their tempers in yellow rooms and babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms.
• Yellow can also increase the metabolism.
• Since yellow is the most visible color, it is also the most attention-getting color. Yellow can be used in small amount to draw notice, such as on traffic sign or advertisements.

Meaning of the Color Orange 

Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.
How the color orange affects us mentally and physically
* Stimulates activity
* Stimulates appetite
* Encourages socialization

The Color Psychology of Orange

• Orange is a combination of yellow and red and is considered an energetic color.
• Orange calls to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth.
• Orange is often used to draw attention, such as in traffic signs and advertising.

Meaning of the Color Red 

Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.
How the color red affects us mentally and physically
* Increases enthusiasm
* Stimulates energy
* Encourages action and confidence
* A sense of protection from fears and anxiety

The Color Psychology of Pink

• Pink is essentially a light red and is usually associated with love and romance.
• Pink is thought to have a calming effect. One shade known as "drunk-tank pink" is sometimes used in prisons to calm inmates. Sports teams sometimes paint the opposing teams locker room pink to keep the players passive and less energetic.
• While pink's calming effect has been demonstrated, researchers of color psychology have found that this effect only occurs during the initial exposure to the color. When used in prisons, inmates often become even more agitated once they become accustomed to the color.

Meaning of the Color Purple 

Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.
How the color purple affects us mentally and physically
* Uplifting
* Calming to mind and nerves
* Offers a sense of spirituality
* Encourages creativity

The Color Psychology of Purple

• Purple is the symbol of royalty and wealth.
• Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality.
• Purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial.

Meaning of the Color Brown 

Brown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.
How the color brown affects us physically and mentally
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness

Color Psychology - Reactions to Brown

• Brown is a natural color that evokes a sense of strength and reliability.
• Brown can also create feelings of sadness and isolation.
• Brown brings to mind feeling of warmth, comfort, and security. It is often described as natural, down-to-earth, and conventional, but brown can also be sophisticated.

Meaning of the Color White 

White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.
How the color white affects us mentally and physically
* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings

The Color Psychology of White

• White represents purity or innocence.
• White is bright and can create a sense of space or add highlights.
• White is also described as cold, bland, and sterile. Rooms painted completely white can seem spacious, but empty and unfriendly. Hospitals and hospital workers use white to create a sense of sterility.

Meaning of the Color Gray 

Gray is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favorite suit color, gray can mix well with any color. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name gray as a favorite color possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression.
How the color gray affects us physically and mentally
* unsettling
* expectant

Meaning of the Color Black 

Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic color for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated.
How the color black affects us physically and mentally
* feeling inconspicuous
* a restful emptiness
* mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.

The Color Psychology of Black

• Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum.
• Black is often used as a symbol of menace or evil, but it is also popular as an indicator of power. It      is used to represent treacherous characters such as Dracula and is often associated with witchcraft.
• Black is associated with death and mourning in many cultures. It is also associated with unhappiness, sexuality, formality, and sophistication.
• In ancient Egypt, black represented life and rebirth.
• Black is often used in fashion because of its slimming quality.
• Consider how black is used in language: Black Death, blackout, black cat, black list, black market, black tie, black belt.

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http://psychology.about.com/od/sensationandperception/a/colorpsych.htm