Colour's influence on the way we live

We are surrounded by colour, but its significance in our lives goes far beyond simple aesthetic impressions. It has practical applications that help us navigate our environment. It can affect our mood. And in societies across the world, colour has extensive historical, cultural and symbolic attachments. It is often used, subtly or explicitly, to carry and influence the values of our society. Vien Cheung reflects on the power of colour to shift our judgements – and how it might help us move towards a fairer and more balanced world.

Colour can shift our black and white judgements into a more diverse perception of the world

—Dr Vien Cheung

Impact

• Cultural impact: International Colour Association (AIC) to expand its global public engagement 

Key information

• Disciplines: design, colour, imaging science
• Investigators: Dr Vien Cheung

Keywords: culture, symbolism, color, art, heritage, history, equality, psychology