Colors have a psychological effect on the human psyche. While not everyone experiences the same mood with the same colors, they do affect that person's mood. In some societies, colors are seen as magical and have certain properties that nothing else has. Some products are even priced differently due to color. Some believe that colors have the ability to cure one of sickness or lift their mood. In our daily lives, colors are taken for granted and not many see colors as something amazing or something to study, but colors do have strange effects on people.

Sometimes it depends on someone's background.

Color psychology

Color psychology is the effect color gives to different people, especially for unique choices. Studies within marketing show that when certain colors are used in logos, some people may associate the colors with certain feelings. There are many charts that show logos under certain color choices, and what they may mean. For example, red is seen as an exciting color; Nintendo, YouTube, and LEGO all use red for their logos, showing the excitement one might have when using the products. Certain colors are recommended for certain rooms in ones home. A calming sky blue or a warm yellow are suggested for bedrooms to keep peace in the room and allow one to go to sleep easier each night.

Colors such as grey or black may cause a sense of sadness and despair, thus the colors are avoided unless sadness and despair is the goal. Every color is thought to envoke both positive and negative feelings, depending on the experience each person has had with that color. While red may be seen as exciting, it can also be seen as straining or aggressive.

Color properties

There is a belief that colors each have their own properties depending on what form they are in. A crystalline, for example, is seen as calming and nurturing. However, color is still determined by personal feelings. All the studies in the world could not pinpoint exactly what color means to each person. HelpScout mentions a study called "Exciting red and competent blue" where it was found that people will buy products based on the "personality" of the brand.

Consumers may find it hard to not think of a stereotypical scene of a kid playing on a PlayStation, regardless of the colors the brand chooses. People automatically assume that the product's colors are appropriate to the brand, but will be especially drawn to a brand that has unique colors to their logo. Color theory is a fascinating topic to think about and has many layers to it. What do colors mean to you?