Whether we are aware of it or not, everyone is influenced by colour. Certain colours can make us happy while other colours can help us to concentrate better or feel calmer. The marketing and advertisement industry acknowledged this quite some time ago and use colour to influence buying and spending behaviour. For example, all fast-food restaurants use red in their logo because the colour red stimulates our senses and encourages us to eat more and spend more money.
Below you can find several studies where colour has been used successfully in the environment:
Colour in work environment affects cognitive performances
- This study led to many employers using green on for the work floor, because absenteeism appears to decrease. It appears from this study that cognitive performances vary when people are in a red or blue environment. (Source: New York Times: Colour Study Looks at Effect or Red and Blue)
Pink environment colour helps curb aggressive behaviour
- This study showed that a pink environment reduces aggression! The colour pink also appears to have a positive effect on the violent behaviour of children who are in detention (Source: New York Times: Colour has a powerful effect on behaviour).
Colour of shop design affects buying behaviour
- “Colour is a powerful communication tool. The feeling of a customer in a shop is determined by light and colours within a few seconds. (Source: Retailnews: Kleur beïnvloedt humeur en koopgedrag (Colour affects mood and buying behaviour)
Light affects the concentration of pupils
- With the right colour and intensity of the light in the classroom, the concentration of primary school pupils can be improved. (Source: Nu.nl: Licht van invloed op concentratie leerlingen (Light affects the concentration of pupils)
How brands distinguish themselves using colour
- Quality and trust are some features that colour can depict for a brand
http://www.businessinsider.com/branding-and-the-psychology-of-color-2012-12?op=1
Effect of the amount of light in the workplace
- Light has a visual effect, namely that people need good visibility for the work they do. But the intensity of light also determines, in part, how people feel. Plenty of light ensures higher alertness and better sight. Read more on: www.saxion.nl
