Color Preference Research Articles

RED Is “Happy” but Also “Gloomy”: The Influence of Young People on Color Preference and Emotional Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human psychological and emotional states, influencing behaviors, including color preferences. This study aimed to explore how the pandemic affected people’s color preferences and emotional responses, shedding light on the broader implications for psychological well-being. A total of 231 participants were divided into two groups based on the depth to which they were affected by the pandemic, considering factors such as personality, family, friends, work/lessons, relationships, and consumption. The findings revealed four key results: (1) participants’ preference for cooler colors such as blue and green increased, reflecting a need for calmness and stability during heightened stress, while their preference for warm colors decreased. (2) Personal consumption was identified as the most severely impacted area. (3) The pandemic reduced people’s overall preference for warm colors. (4) The pandemic triggered strong negative and contradictory emotions. These results highlight the significant shift towards cooler colors, which are associated with calmness, and suggest important applications in design, marketing, and mental health initiatives. Understanding the psychological effects of the pandemic on color preferences provides valuable insights across multiple fields and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the reshaped aspects of human behavior in the face of future challenges.

Color as a Key Factor in Creating Sustainable Living Spaces for Seniors

Color as a feature of interior spaces is a fundamental component of human interaction with the built environment. Therefore, planning the design concept of an interior space with attention to color choices is extremely important, especially when the users of a given space include individuals who require additional support and care, such as the elderly. The colors used in architecture and interiors play a crucial role in the well-being of older adults, influencing their spatial perception, behavior, and activity. With age, color perception changes due to the effects of the aging process on vision. Visual deficits lead to shifts in sensory perception, which can, in turn, affect the sense of well-being, often creating a heightened sense of uncertainty. These changes in color perception due to aging may impact the color preferences of older people within their living environments. To create supportive environments for seniors, it is necessary to investigate which colors are most easily recognized, which colors are easiest to distinguish, and which colors are preferred by older adults. Based on a review of the literature and research findings on age-related changes in chromatic and spatial perception, design recommendations and guidelines have been developed. To supplement this knowledge, a survey was conducted among seniors to gather insights on their color preferences. Observations and analyzes of the survey results point to strategies for color use and underscore the importance of color in designing sustainable living spaces for seniors.

Melatonin Alters Preference to Move Toward Monochromatic Lights in Female Syrian Hamsters: A Behavior Associated With Circadian Rhythm.

Different light colors have different effects on endogenous melatonin. The preference for light colors has been studied in various animal species, except hamsters. Additionally, no research has been done on how melatonin affects color preference. In this study, I investigated whether melatonin can influence Syrian hamsters' preferences for various light colors. Eighteen female Syrian hamsters were divided into a control group and a test group orally administered 0.01 mg melatonin daily for 30 days. On Day 31, I placed each hamster in the test box at four stages: dark mid-phase; beginning, middle, and end of day. The box had four areas with red, yellow, green, and blue lamps. In each stage, the hamsters' movements were recorded for 5 min. I tested the effects of color, stage, and melatonin treatment using a mixed model analysis. The preferences of both groups changed between the stages (p < 0.001) with the except stages 1 and 4 of the control group (p = 0.012); and stages 2 and 3 of the test group for the yellow color (p = 0.104). There was a significant difference between the test and the control groups in all stages and all colors (p < 0.001) except the green light color in stage 2 (p = 0.007). The results suggest that exogenous melatonin controls the preference for monochromatic light by an unknown mechanism. Circadian endogenous melatonin levels are also effective. Scientists must consider melatonin levels in studies evaluating responses to light.

Glass beads in a Dillybag: a cached assemblage from a rockshelter in Quinkan Country, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia

ABSTRACT In the 1970s, a rare assemblage of trade beads was discovered inside a woven plant fibre bag in a rockshelter (the ‘Dillybag site’) near Laura, Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Cached post-1895, the bag held more than 4000 glass beads strung on cotton, nylon and hand-spun (possibly human) hair twine. Seventy-eight percent of beads showed some degree of damage from bead-on-bead contact, suggesting that the assemblage accumulated gradually over time. All beads on hair twine were minute or small, and potentially reveal consumer choice in their selection, as does the large proportion of red, white and black beads, suggesting a preference for customary colours. This cache is not only the largest collection of glass beads recovered from an archaeological context in Australia, but also speaks to the dynamism, agency and persistence of the Indigenous people of southeast Cape York Peninsula following invasion.

Ontogeny of Thyroid Hormone Signaling in the Retina of Zebrafish: Effects of Thyroidal Status on Retinal Morphology, Cell Survival, and Color Preference.

The retina is crucial for converting light into neuronal signals for visual perception. Understanding the retina's structure, function, and development is essential for vision research. It is known that the thyroid hormone (TH) receptor type beta 2 (TRβ2) is a key element in the regulation of cone differentiation in the retina, but other elements of TH signaling, such as transporters and enzyme deiodinases, have also been implicated in retinal cell development and survival. In the present study, we investigated the expression profile of genes involved in TH signaling and analyzed the impact of thyroidal status on retinal morphology, opsin expression, cell death/proliferation profile, as well as color preference behavior during the early retina development of zebrafish larvae. mRNA expression analysis on dissected whole eyes revealed that TH signaling elements gradually increase during eye development, with dio3b being the component that shows the most dramatic change. Mutations generated by CRISPR/CAS9 in the dio3b gene, but not in the thrb gene, modifies the structure of the retina. Disruption in TH level reduces the cell number of the ganglion cell layer, increases cell death, and modifies color preference, emphasizing the critical importance of precise TH regulation by its signaling elements for optimal retinal development and function.

Light spectrum effects on giant freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii: Larval development, survival and preferences

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light spectra on growth, development indices, survival and color preferences in Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae. First (trial 1, 25 days), prawns (100 larvae/L) were randomly allocated to 30 cylindrical plastic containers (1 L). This trial was designed with five treatments (light spectra) and six replications: red light, blue light, green light and white light or absence of light (controls) in the 12:12 light:dark (LD) cycle. Next (trial 2), 30 groups of five larvae in two different development stages (VII and XI) were allocated to a system of compartments with different lights: white, red, blue or green. This system was connected by tubes to enable light spectra choices. Final weight, weight gain, consumption and metamorphosis significantly improved under the white light condition versus the other tested groups (p<0.05). Survival, the Larval Stage Index, the Larval Condition Index and final biomass clearly improved under the white light condition (p<0.05). Conversely, the red light and no light conditions obtained unsatisfactory results. White light was preferred in larvae stage VII (p<0.05), but this behavior changed to blue when prawns reached life stage XI (p<0.05). These findings suggest that white light may be the best choice to optimize larval growth and survival, while color preferences may vary with development stage.

Colours in clothes and psychological functioning: the impact on emotions and self-esteem

Background: Colours are the object of study in various areas of humanitarian sciences, such as linguistics, cultural studies, and art. In psychology, the effects of colour on behaviour and emotional states are analyzed. The purpose of this research is to explore the preference for colours in clothes Indian students wear and report the results of the “Colour Challenge Week” project. Methods: Simultaneous mixed methods were used in this study: qualitative (a survey, documents analysis: students’ reports) and quantitative (two standardized tests: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the PANAS-SF). Results: The article introduces the survey results among 246 university students aged 18-22 from different states of India. It shows the colours black, white, and blue in clothes are of preference. Pearson’s Chi-Square test was used to examine the Frequency distribution of values. To find the answer to the research question: “What is the impact of colours in clothes on students’ emotions and self-esteem?” a thematic analysis of students’ reports was performed. Conclusions: The exploration of this topic is far from complete and to uncover all relationships further intensive research is required. Future studies are recommended utilizing bigger sample sizes with a more equal proportion of males to females

Physical Characteristics, Moisture Content and Organoleptic Properties of Afkir Laying Hen Meat with Different Marination Durations in Pineapple Crown Extract

Afkir laying hen meat has a tough texture, making it less desirable to consumers. Pineapple crown extract is known to improve the texture of spent laying hen meat due to its bromelain enzyme content. This study aims to determine the effect of marination duration using pineapple crown extract on the pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic value of spent laying hen meat. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (different marination times of 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours) and 5 replications. The parameters observed in this study included pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic values. Test data were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance with a 5% significance level, and if significant effects were found, the analysis was followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Organoleptic test data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis method, and if there were significant effects, further analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) of marination time using pineapple crown extract on the pH, water content, and organoleptic parameters, including taste, texture, color, and overall preference, with no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on cooking loss, water holding capacity, or the aroma attribute in the organoleptic test. Marination time also decreased the toughness of afkir laying hen meat texture, as analyzed descriptively. Marination for 2-6 hours decreased pH and water content, tenderized the texture, and improved meat preference. Keywords: Afkir laying hen; bromelain; tenderness; pineapple crown; marination

Modeling the Effect of Greenways’ Multilevel Visual Characteristics on Thermal Perception in Summer Based on Bayesian Network and Computer Vision

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of multilevel visual characteristics of greenways on thermal perception in hot and humid regions during summer and to explore the potential of visual design to enhance psychological thermal comfort. Data on light (L), color (C), plant richness (PR), space openness (SO), scenic view (SV), thermal sensation (TS), and thermal preference (TP) were collected through questionnaires (n = 546). Computer vision technology was applied to measure the green view index (GVI), sky view index (SVI), paving index (PI), spatial enclosure (SE), and water index (WI). Using the hill climbing algorithm in R to construct a Bayesian network, model validation results indicated prediction accuracies of 0.799 for TS and 0.838 for TP. The results showed that: (1) SE, WI, and SV significantly positively influence TS, while L significantly negatively influences TS (R2 = 0.6805, p-value &lt; 0.05); (2) WI, TS, and SV significantly positively influence TP (R2 = 0.759, p-value &lt; 0.05).

THE EFFECT OF CINNAMON EXTRACT ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, TOTAL BAL, PH, AND HEDONICS OF RED BEET YOGHURT

Red beet yogurt needs improvement, especially in terms of flavor. The addition of cinnamon can improve hedonic quality, especially aroma, taste, and overall acceptance. This study aims to determine the effect of cinnamon extract on antioxidant activity, total LAB, pH, and hedonic. The research method used RAL with the addition of cinnamon extract 0%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5% and 0.7%. Antioxidants were tested using the DPPH method, total LAB was calculated using the TPC method, pH was measured using a pH meter, and hedonic using the scoring method. The results showed that the addition of cinnamon extract had a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on total LAB, pH, and hedonic with attributes of aroma, color, taste, texture, and overall preference. The most optimal treatment was a cinnamon extract concentration of 0.3% because it produced an optimum level of preference with antioxidant activity of 22.41%, total LAB of 9.36 Log CFU/ml, and pH of 4.02.

Environmental therapy: interface design strategies for color graphics to assist navigational tasks in patients with visuospatial disorders through an analytic hierarchy process based on CIE color perception.

Environmental therapy theory has been applied in the research of disease prevention, and the effectiveness of using color and graphic designs to assist patients with spatial orientation has been confirmed. Visual-spatial impairments are common symptoms associated with cognitive decline. However, the interaction and driving factors between these impairments and spatial color and graphic designs remain unclear. This paper first discusses the correlation between the characteristics of visual-spatial impairments and environmental factors and then investigates the color preferences of such patients based on the CIE 1976 color system and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Subsequently, the paper explores spatial design strategies conducive to spatial orientation from the perspective of adaptability to pathological characteristics, utilizing case study analysis. (1) Pathological characteristics of visual-spatial impairments (such as difficulties in spatial orientation and spatial neglect) are related to environmental factors; (2) Emotional attachment factors play a key role in patients' perception of satisfaction with environmental colors; (3) Color associations have the potential to strengthen spatial memory. Additionally, interface designs with high luminance, low saturation, and clear color differentiation facilitate patients' recognition of space. This paper posits that spatial interface design is a feasible approach to assist with spatial orientation, and it achieves this through a mediating process that progresses from influencing visual stimuli to cognitive memory and then to behavioral orientation. The article provides insights into the operational feasibility of this method.

Color perception and its relation to dental anxiety in children.

One of the major causes of dental anxiety in children is their first impression of the dental environment. Even minor details, such as the choice of color in a dental setting and the color of dental equipment, can positively influence a child's behavior. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the emotions in children and color combinations in a pediatric setting. The study involved 200 children (99 boys and 101 girls) aged between 6 and 12 years who visited the dental clinics at the College of Dentistry, Jazan University, for the first time between November 2017 and January 2018. The participants were divided into 2 groups based on age. The younger children group included participants aged from 6 to 9 years, while the older children group included participants aged from 10 to 12 years. Anxiety levels were recorded using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Colored pencils and images of emoticons were provided to all children, who were instructed to color the negative and positive emoticons with their preferred colors. The analysis of anxiety levels among children in both groups revealed statistically significant differences across sexes in the younger age group, with girls being more anxious than boys (p = 0.003). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in the choice of colors by children of both sexes in 2 age groups (p = 0.001). Most children were inclined towards bright colors and used them to express their emotions. The incorporation of colors in a dental setting could invoke positive emotions in children. Hence, the use of colors in the workplace has the potential to ease anxiety.

The use of visual and olfactory cues by adult Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) while foraging.

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a notorious invasive insect pest. It is very important to understand the foraging behavior of this pest to develop more effective lures to monitor the immigration of this pest. In this study, the use of visual and olfactory cues in the foraging behavior of S. frugiperda was investigated through an attraction experiment in which color (produced from 8 different colored artificial flowers), odor (produced from honey water), and odorous color (produced from artificial flowers supplemented with honey water) were used. When we used 8 different colors to elicit adult responses, S. frugiperda showed a significant color preference despite limited activity (i.e., the total number of visits to the attractant), with black being the most preferred color, followed by orange preferred by both sexes and blue and green preferred only by females. When honey water was used as an attractant, S. frugiperda had relatively greater odor activity than color activity. When we sprayed the artificial flowers with honey, S. frugiperda showed even greater activity in terms of odor color than in terms of color or odor. Compared with male S. frugiperda, female adult S. frugiperda presented greater activity in response to all types of attractants. These findings suggest that S. frugiperda adults rely primarily on olfaction for foraging, with vision as a secondary sense, and that the combined use of olfactory and visual cues increases foraging efficiency. These results provide reference data for designing trapping strategies to monitor and control S. frugiperda.

Slimming shades: investigating the allure of black clothing on women's aesthetics

Colours play a significant role in sexual selection among nonhuman animals. As trichromatic primates, humans lack the pronounced skin colouration observed in certain primates. However, they expand their colour preferences by embracing various hues and styles through clothing and fashion. The attractiveness associated with black lacks a known biological basis but appears to derive from its perceived fashionable nature. One mechanism contributing to the allure of black is its slimming effect. Black absorbs visible light, creating shadows that obscure contours and the illusion of reduced distinctiveness in shapes. This visual effect can give a slimmer appearance than wearing lighter or brighter colours, which may accentuate curves or shapes more prominently. In Study 1, conducted by means of an online questionnaire, women wearing black clothing were perceived as slimmer than those wearing yellow and green clothing. However, the slimming effect was significant when comparing black with yellow and green but not significant when comparing black with white, red, and purple. Study 2 involved tracking the colours of the clothing worn by women for 30 days. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between wearing black clothes and the participants' body mass index (BMI). Our research suggests that the perceived attractiveness of the black colour is due in part to its slimming effect and that women with higher BMI may opt for black clothing to visually mitigate their weight.

Spontaneous Color Preferences and Associative Learning in Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Color vision, which varies among species, plays an important role in foraging, mating, and habitat selection among insects. Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Lewis) is an omnivorous beetle that damages both crops and fruit. Here, to understand the effect of vision and olfaction in host selection, experiments were conducted on the spectral wavelength preference, color preference, and associative learning ability of adult P. brevitarsis using LED lights and grapes. In our experiments, adults showed the strongest spontaneous preference toward the red spectrum, particularly 730 nm. Non-preferred lights were used to train adults with a food reward (grapes). Green-trained adults had an increasing tendency to prefer green light, and blue-trained adults had a clear preference for blue light. Furthermore, adults significantly preferred red grapes in the absence of olfactory cues, but their selectivity for grapes differed in the presence of olfactory cues, indicating that vision was not the only factor in foraging decisions, but that olfactory cues also influenced their decision making. The results lay the groundwork for revealing their host localization mechanism and provide promising avenues for biological control in the field.

Visual consistency between display simulation and real scene observation: a case study for color preference assessment for illuminated scenes.

Display-based simulation has been widely adopted across various research fields, yet the visual consistency between this technique and real scene observation remains inadequately demonstrated. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of quantifying the color rendition performance of white light sources using display simulation. We examined the visual consistency through two psychophysical experiments conducted with the assistance of spectral imaging and color management. Two real-scene experiments, a rating experiment for fruits and a pair-comparison experiment for bronzeware within viewing light booths under various light sources, were accurately simulated on displays against different colored backgrounds. The results revealed overall significant and strong correlations between the color preference assessments in real and simulated scenes. The simulation deviation we observed could be attributed to chromatic adaptation and eliminated by controlling the interface background color. Meanwhile, the evaluation methods and the observers' familiarity with the experimental objects might to some extent influence the evaluation results as well. By this study, the authors would like to highlight the crucial importance of accuracy in real scene replication for simulated reality.

Phosphor Screens Color Preferences Depending on Night Vision Experience and Luminance Level.

One of the most important factors affecting visual performance during vision aided by night vision goggles (NVGs) is image quality, which depends mainly on the image-intensifier technology used. Although NVGs with green image color (P43 phosphor) are only accepted in military aviation, white image (P45 phosphor) seems to be equally well-regarded by aviators. The aim of our study was to determine if the experience of using NVGs with the green screen affects image preference for that color, and if the screen color preference is related to luminance level. Subjects (127 military pilots, 26-56 yr, M = 37.2; 62 pilots with flight experience with NVG use) were asked to observe a model terrain board at two different luminance levels (corresponding roughly to ambient conditions during starlight and one-half moonlight) while using two types of NVGs (green P43 and white P45 phosphor screens). The pilots were asked to answer a questionnaire about their preference for NVG display color. The findings showed a significant difference between screen color preference and pilots' experience with the green-phosphor-based NVGs (43.5% vs. 23.1% for white screens). However, there was no relationship between screen color preference and luminance level. Previous NVG experience seems to play an important role in shaping a user's individual preference for a certain phosphor screen color, although green and white phosphor screens both provide satisfactory visibility. Nevertheless, when deciding, it is advisable to experiment with both colors and select the one that suits the user's preferences and needs. Lewkowicz R, Dereń-Szumełda J. Phosphor screens color preferences depending on night vision experience and luminance level. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(10):749-757.

Population structure and natural selection across a flower color polymorphism in the desert plant Encelia farinosa.

Clines-or the geographic sorting of phenotypes across continual space-provide an opportunity to understand the interaction of dispersal, selection, and history in structuring polymorphisms. In this study, we combine field-sampling, genetics, climatic analyses, and machine learning to understand a flower color polymorphism in the wide-ranging desert annual Encelia farinosa. We find evidence for replicated transitions in disk floret color from brown to yellow across spatial scales, with the most prominent cline stretching ~100 km from southwestern United States into México. Because population structure across the cline is minimal, selection is more likely than drift to have an important role in determining cline width. Given that the cline aligns with a climatic transition but there is no evidence for pollinator preference for flower color, we hypothesize that floret color likely varies as a function of climatic conditions.

Patient perspectives towards skin of color clinics: results from a survey study.

Skin of color clinics (SOCCs) are dermatology clinics that provide specialized care for patients with melanated skin. Little is known about patient perceptions and attitudes toward these clinics. We sought to perform a survey study to assess the opinions of patients of color previously seen in our dermatology department toward SOCC. A 14-question survey was sent by email to patients of color seen at our institution between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021. Out of 264 participants who completed the survey, 176 (66.7%) indicated they would prefer to be seen in a SOCC and 88 (33.3%) preferred to be seen in a general dermatology clinic (GDC). Clinic choice varied significantly by ethnicity, with Black/African American participants being the most likely to prefer SOCC over GDC than other races/ethnicities. Those interested in SOCC were primarily motivated by a search for expertise in the skin of color (SOC) and did not have a preference for the skin color of the SOCC dermatologist. Those interested in GDC were happy with their current care. This study was limited by the single-center design and sample bias. Our results overall provide positive patient feedback for the creation of SOCCs as centers for expertise in SOC. The preference for SOCC varied by race/ethnicity, highlighting that clinic choice is best left to the patient.

Determination of Color Preferences and Trend Colors in Hotel Room Interior Design

Buildings and environmental colors create differences in perception, both psychologically and physically. Colors interact with and have an impact on the form, space components, surroundings, materials textures, space lighting, the size of the surfaces, and the function and aesthetics of the space. Color preference varies according to personality traits, age and gender, habits and experiences, fashion, and style. The research is aimed to determine the color preferences and trends in hotel interior designs. Many hotel projects are designed and completed throughout the world every year. In this context, project designs awarded in international competitions were selected. To collect the data for the study, details of award-winning hotel interior designs available through competition websites are reviewed and the Adobe Color analytical tool is employed to characterize the color schemes reflected in the designs. Adobe Color is more successful than other tools in creating color schemes, such as the color wheel, gradient extraction, and theme extraction, suitable for all color selection methods, including colorful, bright, muted, deep, and dark options. As a result of this study, based on the designs awarded in 2022, it was determined that blue, red, and green colors were most frequently used, respectively. Furthermore, the data suggest that all colors were used in pastel tones, with light shades of blue mixed with different grays being used more frequently, while red and green generally were used in darker tones. The results were significantly correlated with the theoretical research and studies on user preferences.