Color psychology is a field of study devoted to analyzing the emotional and behavioral effects produced by colors and color combinations. Web site owners want to know which color will make their visitors spend more money. Home decorators want to know which color creates a tranquil feeling for a bedroom. Fast food chains explore which colors will make you hungry and super-size your meal. Correct color choices equal big business!
Many consider the topic of emotional connections and color a bit “hippy-esque” and not grounded in real science. Needless to say, it is a controversial topic and there have been many studies, but no general consensus.
1. Review the first of the two Advance Organizers on color associations and where they fit in the overall scheme of design fundamentals.
2. Follow the red arrows on this image map to see how color, and specifically, emotional color associations, relate to other concepts we have been learning.
3. Next, review the second Advance Organizer that details certain key words, meanings, and associations to moods and emotions for each color.
Click images to enlarge -or- right click to open in a new browser window
4. Read and review the color links found at the top of this page, each representing attributes to top tier colors. Find pictures or graphic examples that represent each of the three attributes listed for each color.
5. After reviewing the links above on each color, list two additional emotional connections (attributes) associated with these colors, and find pictures and graphic examples for these two also that reflect the underlying psychology and symbolism they represent.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In art and anthropology, color symbolism refers to the use of color as a symbol throughout culture.
Color psychology refers to investigating the effect of color on human behavior and feeling.
Color symbolism and color psychology are culturally constructed linkages that vary with time, place, and culture. In fact one color may perform very different symbolic or psychological functions at the same place. Color symbolism is a contentious area of study dependent upon a large body of anecdotal evidence but not supported by data from well designed scientific studies.
Example:
Red is often used in North America to indicate stop, as with a stop sign, or danger, as with a warning light. At the same time red symbolizes love, as with Valentine's day. A person not familiar with the cultural coding of red in North America could, theoretically, confuse the symbolism of red and mistake a red Valentine's day heart for a warning.