The Colour Of Emotion

Background Information

 

One of the big differences between school-based Product Design and its professional counterpart is the importance placed on the visual aspects of the design solution. Professional designers often show far greater sensitivity and understanding of visual principles both in relation to 'fashion trends' and their psychological impact on the viewer. Indeed the National Curriculum programme of study for both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pays little attention to visual design compared with technological aspects. This programme should be useful in addressing this balance.

Consideration of the use of colour could be usefully made through 'product analysis' activities in both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. As part of a product investigation, students could ask themselves some of the following questions in relation to the colour of products:

  • What colour is it and why is it this colour?
  • Is it a primary colour or a secondary colour?
  • Does it have more than one colour? Do the colours harmonise/contrast, and why?
  • Why is more than one colour used? Do the colours help you use the product?
  • Are these colours in fashion - are other similar products the same colour?
  • Are the darker colours at the top or bottom of the product? Why do you think this is?
  • Is the colour part of the product's corporate identity?
  • Is the colour chosen to match/contrast with the place where the product will be used?
  • Is the product available in a range of colours, and why? Which do you think would be most popular and why?
  • Is it a warm colour or a cool colour?
  • What does the colour make you think of? Are they things associated with the function of the product?
  • Are different shapes in the product different colours, and why?
  • Why do you think the designer has chosen the colour?

The electro-luminescent material used in the Glasgow theatre is now used in a wide range of applications ranging from panels on the outside of fighter aircraft to aid recognition to emergency lighting. The panel consists of a thin conductive plastic sheet coated with a layer of phosphorous and backed by a film of carbon. When a power source is connected, the phosphor becomes excited and emits light.

This and other interesting technological innovations are described in 'Technology in Practice' by TEP (John Cave) published by John Murray (ISBN 0719571790).




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