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September 27, 2012

Thinking About Color Systems Trends and Forecasting

Color Systems

Author: AdamsMorioka

Several companies, designers, and associations do market research on color to establish trends and predict changing cultural preferences that impact all areas of design. A variety of indicators, including consumer testing and surveys, help these color forecasters issue projections and define color palette preferences they believe will rise, fall, or maintain popularity. Most design-driven industries keep these projections in mind when developing their products.

"The forecasting business is notoriously intuitive. Forecasters work too far in advance of the market to offer the client any hard and fast data beyond their own track record."—Rick Poynor, Obey The Giant

Some industries find that color trends change rapidly; others are less subject to fluctuations in taste and style. The fashion industry is perhaps the most susceptible to trend. However, interior design, especially home furnishings, and automotive design are subject to fluctuations as well. Youth-oriented goods and services in every category feel the effects of shifting color trends.

The major U.S. forecasters are the PANTONE® Color Institute, the Color Association of America (CAUS—the oldest forecasting service in the country), and the Color Marketing Group (a nonprofit international association of 1,500 color designers). These groups provide forums, workshops, and reports on an annual and seasonal basis.

Color Cycles

Many factors affect color trends, including:

  • National cultural influences
  • Music and entertainment; pop culture
  • The economy (good or bad)
  • World events (politics, wars, natural disasters)
  • The shrinking global community
  • Business and manufacturing demands
  • Nature and environmentalism
  • Shared technologies
  • Nostalgia and futurism
  • Psychological impact of certain colors

Source: Color Design Workbook

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