The Effects of Color
Have you ever wondered why certain companies choose certain colors for their products?
By: Tisha Kaur
The red and yellow McDonalds logo is a classic icon which suits the multibillion dollar company perfectly. However, the color choice isn’t just a coincidence; together, the colors red and yellow have been found to increase people’s appetite and make them hungrier. The intelligence behind their decision can’t be understated because “89% of the time, colors influence your decisions, and [are] the primary reason for why we buy particular products” (Gazibegovic 2018). This fascinating example is just one of countless others which all show the wide-ranging effects of color psychology. After much investigation, it is clear that different colors have the power to alter one's mood, and consequently, one's mind.
While many people don’t notice it in day-to-day life, the presence of various colors affect every aspect of life, from energy level to creativity. For example, the color green strengthens positive feelings and even helps us remember them longer (Pichardo 2021). Think about how you feel when you’re outside in a green environment. For most people, it is a time when they feel at ease and fresh. Also, in the idiom, “The grass is greener on the other side”, the use of the word green refers to better and happier. This usage accurately connects to its actual effect on one’s mind. Furthermore, another example of the astounding effects of color can be seen when studying the color blue: “ Scientists have found that bright blue light may help reset your circadian rhythm if it gets out of whack. Studies show blue has the biggest positive effect on the physical, mental, and behavioral patterns you go through every 24 hours” (Pichardo 2021). This can be extremely valuable for looking into when treating illnesses like depression. Once we analyze the effects of colors on our minds, we can use them to better our lives as well.
Our current society has been created, in part, based on the effects of color. This can be seen in media and movies, like Inside Out, to companies of all sizes. It affects our neurological and even physical organization: “Every color has a differing energy, frequency and wavelength, that is why colors can ramify your mood so much. Colors directly target the Autonomic Nervous System(ANS) that functions and operates under involuntarily and subconscious control” (Gazibegovic 2018). The ANS is responsible for the function of our involuntary actions, such as our heart beating, so it makes sense that it plays an important behind-the-scenes role in our life. As more people learn about the effects of color and utilize it in daily life, it then starts to shape the structure of our society in many ways.
Whether we look at the McDonalds logo or the surprising effects of the color blue, the importance of color in our lives is immense. In fact, “Research reveals people make a subconscious judgment about a person, environment, or product within 90 seconds of initial viewing and that between 62% and 90% of that assessment is based on color alone” (Morton). Once we understand the vast implications of these studies and start to apply their findings into our own lives, we can create a happier, healthier, and wealthier society. In the end, the effects of color on our mood and mind is of utmost importance to study.
Works Cited
“10 Fascinating Facts about the Psychology of Color.” Online Psychology Degree Guide, 28 Sept. 2020,
https://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/psychology-color/.
​
Gazibegovic, Posted by Natalia. “Scientific Scribbles.” Scientific Scribbles, 9 Oct. 2018, https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/sciencecommunication/2018/10/09/how-do-different-colours-affect-your-mood-judgement-and-physiology/.
​
Pichardo, Gabriela. “Common Causes of Mood Swings.” WebMD, WebMD, 5 Sept. 2021,
https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-mood-swings-cause .
​
Vetter, Clara. “The Effects of Colors on Behavior.” Neurofied, 27 May 2022,
https://neurofied.com/effects-of-color-on-behavior/ .
​
“Why Color Matters.” Colorcom,