Beyond Hue: Reframing Colour for a Multidimensional World
With: Ellen Divers (Independent Design Theorist and Researcher) & Esther Hagenlocher (University of Oregon)
Saturday May 17, 11:00am-12:30pm ET
Facts and Myths about Colour Series, Part 2
Ellen Divers (Independent Design Theorist and Researcher)
THE AGE OF [COLOUR] REASON: HOW SEEING “BEYOND HUE” HELPS DESIGNERS THINK ABOUT COLOUR DESIGN
The colour design problem my research and method seek to address is the absence of a rational method for making colour selections for design projects. Beginning with the assumption that design is both a rational and an intuitive process we will explore why the traditional hue-based colour psychology (Hue Paradigm) makes it virtually impossible for designers to use reason when assembling colour palettes. We will look at the roots of the Hue Paradigm and then compare the thought processes of researchers and designers, which may clarify why colour findings often have limited application in design practice.
Fortunately, recent research suggesting that there are additional meanings associated with a colour’s value (lightness) and chroma (i.e., pale, dark, vivid and muted colours) is grounded by a psychological theory that does lend itself to a systematic and rational approach. We will review this research, and consider an evolutionary theory for why the meanings of pale, dark, vivid and muted colours appear to be intuitive and widespread. Finally, the Colour Character Compass will be introduced as a tool to support rational thought about colour design.
Ellen Divers is an Independent Design Theorist and Researcher whose focus is the development of an evidence-based thought process to help colour professionals interpret and use colour meaningfully in their work. An undergraduate degree in Psychology, an M.Ed., a minor in Studio Art, and a B.S. in Interior Design inform her approach to both reviewing and conducting research, as well as how to incorporate it into the design process. Born in the United States and raised in Argentina, Ellen’s perspective on colour (and life in general) was shaped by navigating between cultures -- an experience that taught her to look beneath the surface of things for common threads and universal connections. In recent years Ellen has presented at multiple conferences and published articles on this subject. She has served on the Board of the Inter-Society Color Council and the IACC-NA (International Association of Color Consultants and Designers of North America). The Divers|Method for colour design is currently being piloted with design students and she has plans to eventually make a course available to a broader audience of design professionals. Website: www.ellendiversdesign.com
Esther Hagenlocher (University of Oregon)
BEYOND HUE: IDENTITY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE CASE OF OREGON COLOURS
Amidst the ongoing societal reconstruction, our research focuses on establishing ‘spaces of identification’ for an environment that reflects and respects the Pacific Northwest heritage and its culture for shared ethnicities and backgrounds. The project is dedicated to unveiling the practical benefits of colour’s role and its transformative potential. By understanding and leveraging the power of our colour heritage and how it relates to our cultural identity, we aim to foster a more supportive environment. Student projects involve researching and presenting the influence of colour and its interaction with natural environments. Context, objects, and circumstances are observed through the lens of colour, creating insights and understanding that allow us to study the identity of colour beyond the first glance. Our heritage is immortal and anchored in us. This understanding can lead to practical applications such as designing spaces conducive to promoting our traditions. These benefits are theoretical possibilities and solutions that can pave the way for a healthier future for all, instilling confidence in our approach. This research is multidisciplinary, with national and international collaborators significantly contributing to its success. This international connection underscores our work’s global relevance and impact, making you part of a more significant movement in cultural studies and environmental design.
Esther Hagenlocher is an Associate Professor. As the Head of the Interior Architecture Department at the University of Oregon, she holds a joint position in the Interior Architecture Department and the Architecture Department. She has designed and executed residential projects and designs for international exhibition projects. Hagenlocher’s research concerns the perception and performance of spaces, particularly regarding colour, light, material, and colour reflectivity in daylit spaces. Her current project is a scholarly exploration of Fritz Seitz’s artistic work (1926-2017), including preserving his works and research focusing on colour. Her affiliations include the AIC and DFZ (Curatorium Colour and Architecture); for more than eleven years, a collaboration between the University of Oregon and RAL COLOURS Germany on colour education, and colour workshops that underscore the international nature of colour and the global community it connects with.
