The hidden power of colours | Patricia Thenisch | TEDxHWZ

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker explores the profound impact of color on our emotions and behaviors, drawing on personal anecdotes and scientific research. From childhood memories of sorting colored pencils to the ways colors influence our perceptions and efficiency in daily tasks, the speaker highlights how our favorite colors are tied to past experiences. The discussion includes experiments demonstrating how color affects memory and first impressions, emphasizing that 62-90% of initial impressions are based on color. Ultimately, the speaker encourages viewers to harness the hidden power of color to enhance their lives and communication.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reminisces about their childhood pencil box, emphasizing the nostalgic connection to colors and drawing.
• 🎨 Colors evoke different emotions and memories, influencing our preferences and perceptions.
• 🔵 Blue is identified as the world's most favorite color, linked to positive associations like clear skies and oceans.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Gender differences affect color perception; women generally have a better ability to distinguish shades of red due to genetic factors.
• 📝 An experiment showed that people struggle to draw recognizable logos from memory, highlighting the importance of color in recall.
• 📱 Sorting smartphone apps by color can enhance efficiency, saving significant time over the course of a year.
• 🌈 Certain colors, like yellow, can induce specific feelings, with yellow often avoided in public transport due to its potential to cause dizziness.
• 🎥 Color enhances memory retention; black and white images become more memorable when color is added.
• 👗 First impressions are heavily influenced by color, with bright colors leading to more positive social interactions.
• 💡 The speaker encourages the audience to utilize the power of color for efficiency and emotional impact in daily life.

Q & A

What childhood memory does the speaker share about their pencil box?

The speaker recalls how they enjoyed sorting colored pencils in their metallic pencil box, which brought back memories of their elementary school days.

What is the world's most favorite color, according to research?

According to research, the world's most favorite color is blue, which is often associated with positive memories like a clear blue sky or an idyllic ocean.

How do men and women perceive the color red differently?

Research indicates that women have a better ability to see red and its shades due to possessing two X chromosomes, while men, having only one, may struggle to differentiate between similar shades of red.

What was the purpose of the drawing exercise involving the WhatsApp logo?

The exercise aimed to illustrate how people remember symbols and logos primarily by their color rather than by their shapes or text, demonstrating the hidden power of color in memory.

How can sorting smartphone apps by color improve efficiency?

By organizing smartphone apps by color, users can locate their apps more quickly, potentially saving up to 22 hours over a year due to the time gained from finding apps faster.

What emotional response does the color yellow typically evoke?

Yellow is described as a cheery and bright color, often associated with positivity and fun, but it can also induce feelings of dizziness or nausea, which is why it's rarely used in public transportation interiors.

What effect did changing the wall color in a coffee shop have on customer complaints?

A coffee shop painted its walls orange to reduce complaints about the cold, successfully stopping the complaints without changing the actual temperature, demonstrating how color can influence perception.

What is chromatic adaptation, and how does it relate to color perception?

Chromatic adaptation is a scientific phenomenon where the brain adjusts to different lighting conditions and compensates by enhancing color perception, allowing people to see color in black and white images after focusing on a specific point.

How significant is color in forming first impressions according to the speaker?

Color plays a critical role in first impressions, with research showing that 62 to 90 percent of initial impressions are based on color recognition.

What three ways does the speaker suggest to utilize the hidden power of color?

The speaker suggests sorting items by color for efficiency, choosing colors that align with desired outcomes (like wearing navy blue for job interviews), and being aware of how colors impact emotions and perspectives.