Colors influence our behavior and emotions on a subconscious level. They also impact brain development, enhancing creativity, and learning. Notably, the effects of colors are subjective and vary from one person to another.
For example, a color that might make one feel cheerful can irritate another person. One’s reaction depends on a previous encounter, personal preference, gender, and cultural differences.
Here are some ways of how colors impact our lives.
Color-based Gaming
From Simon Classic to True Colors, we correlate colors with fun activities. When playing Uno, we associate multiple color card as a winning card. It’s a joker card. We choose colors to represent our games.
We associate colors with meditative states such as coloring mandalas or color by number subscription boxes. Color is in every aspect of our ludic pastimes and hobbies.
Space Atmosphere
Colors tend to affect our perception of a place, how big or small it is, or how to feel while within that particular space. If you enter a dark room, your mood is expected to change instantly for the worse.
In contrast, if you happen to enter a room with cool colors such as white, blue, and green, you are likely to feel calm and relaxed. Warmer colors such as red, yellow, and orange tend to bring out the room occupants’ social aspect, encouraging people to interact more freely.
Ever wondered why people tend to report that they feel relaxed while at the beach? It is because the blue oceans help calm their senses and temporarily forget their troubles.
Impact on Our Emotions
A color can subconsciously influence your emotions, depending on its brightness, shade, and temperature. Red, yellow, and orange colors bring out feelings of joy, optimism, and positive energy, hence warm colors. Similarly, the red and orange color might be used to signify impending danger, triggering fearful emotions.
In contrast, blue, green, and purple are usually calming and soothing; hence the title warm colors. These colors can also be used to express sadness. While black signifies mourning in some aspects, other people use white for the same purpose. Black is considered the perfect color for official occasions.
Illustrates One’s Culture
Different cultures have diverse views on color symbolism. For example, in the Indian community, black is a symbol of darkness and anger. It is associated with bareness, death, and lack of energy. In contrast, in most African communities, black is used to show evil, dirty, and in some cases, as a sign of danger.
Red is the most dynamic color in Indian culture. On one occasion, it incites fear, and on another, it is considered innocent with purity and hence the most preferred color for a bride’s garment. Each culture is unique, and so are its beliefs in terms of colors.
Form of Communication
Your attire’s color can be appropriate or not in a situation, depending on the message you want to send. During a job interview, you might want to avoid wearing red attire as it is viewed as intimidating and aggressive. On the other hand, red is also sensual and would do great for a romantic dinner date.
Instead, consider putting on brown, blue, gray, or white colors for a job interview, as they are considered calm and neutral colors. They portray an image of being earnest and stable. Go for daring colors, such as yellow, during parties and night out with friends. Color communicates meaning in so many ways.
Affects Consumer Behaviors
Remember, color impacts our thoughts and behaviors. It directs our eyes on what to look and our minds on what step to take. For example, switching a button from green to red will cause people to stop regularly, thanks to the popular notion regarding red – red sign often means stop while green color gives the go-ahead.
As a marketer, you ought to understand that colors mean more to people at first. Always remember that color is one of the most considerations in marketing. Thus, look for the best colors to represent your brand.
Portrays our Personality
The colors of the products we purchase tell a lot about our personalities. From the clothes one wears to the automobile one owns and the color of your accessories. The color of these items provides an insight into how you wish people to perceive you.
For example, red portrays an attention-seeking color that depicts your boldness. On the other hand, blue indicates that you are trustworthy and dependable. Black often shows that you are powerful and mysterious. Usually, age influences our color preference, so do not be surprised if you notice any changes as the years go by.
Conclusion
Most are the times we underestimate the impact of color on our daily activities. Colors affect a major part of our lives and our way of living. Now that you understand how colors impact your experience do not just throw on colors for the sake, especially when attending cultural events. Widows are only to wear white clothes.