Page 44 - Designing Ways 287

COLOUR
PSYCHOLOGY

Colour Psychology

by Stienie Greyling

‘Colours, like features, follow the
changes of the emotions,’ the artist Pablo
Picasso once remarked.
Do you feel energised when you see
red? Does the colour blue make you feel
calm and relaxed? Artists and interior
designers have long believed that colour
can dramatically affect moods, feelings
and emotions.

What is Colour Psychology?
Colour psychology is the study of how
different colours affect human mood and
behaviour. It explores how colours can
influence emotional responses, as well
as how response to colour are affected
by factors such as age and cultural
background.
Colour is a powerful communication
tool and can be used to signal action,
influence mood and even influence
physiological reactions. Certain colours
have been associated with physiological
reactions. Certain colours have been The Psychological Effects of Colour. Our feelings about colour are often
associated with physiology changes, The scientific exploration of colour deeply personal and rooted in our own
including increased blood pressure, psychology is relatively new, but people experience or culture. For example,
increase metabolism and eyestrain.
have long been interested in the nature while the colour white is used in many
and impact of colour. In ancient cultures, Western countries to represent purity
colours were often used to treat different and innocence it is seen as a symbol of
conditions and influence emotions. mourning in many Eastern countries.
They also played a role in different
spiritual practices. Colour Can Influence Performance.
Studies have also shown that
Why is colour such a powerful force in certain colours can have an impact
our lives? on performance. No one likes to see a
What effects can it have on our graded test covered in red ink, but one
bodies and minds? study found that seeing the colour red
While perceptions of colour are before taking an exam actually hurt test
somewhat subjective, some colour performance.
effects have universal meanings. While the colour red is often described
Colours in the red area of the as threatening, arousing or exciting, many
colour spectrum are known as warm previous studies on the impact of the
colours and include red, orange and colour red have been largely inconclusive.
yellow. These warm colours evoke The study found, however, that exposing
emotions ranging from feelings of students to the colour red prior to an
warmth and comfort to feelings of exam has been shown to have a negative
anger and hostility. impact on test performance.
Colours on the blue side of the
spectrum are known cool colours and Colour and Consumer Purchases.
include blue, purple and green. These colours Colour psychology suggests that various
are often described as calm, but can also call shades can have various effects from
to mind feelings of sadness or indifference. boosting our moods to causing anxiety.

44 Issue 287 • dw