By Lauren Gant, PhD, CPE, WELL AP
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Color selection is a critical decision for any design. Color conveys a mood, a trend, a brand, perhaps even an emotion. What if color could also foster a sense of belonging?
During our research into inclusive environments, we have been exploring three pillars of Inclusive Design: Physical Diversity, Neurodiversity, and Trauma Informed Design. Interestingly, the discussion of color shows up in each of these pillars, albeit with slightly different perspectives. We have previously discussed the concept of color psychology: the study of how colors affect our emotions, decisions, and mental states. Here, we explore color application and the importance that it may have in creating inclusive spaces that promote navigation, understanding, and utilization through each of the pillars of inclusive design.
Physical Diversity
The pillar of Physical Diversity is the recognition that humans are diverse in their biomechanics, culture, abilities and appearance, and making intentional design choices with this diversity in mind. The impact of color may influence two areas of concern in the pillar of Physical Diversity: differences in color vision and cultural differences.
Color Vision Deficiency
Color Vision Deficiency, or color blindness impacts approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women. Though the ways color blindness manifests can vary, the effect on occupants can make navigation and interpretation of information difficult.
It is recommended that high contrast colors are used for elements that need to be read or interpreted quickly. Avoid communication options that rely only on color for interpretation. For example, availability indicators that use only green/red for available/unavailable status may be difficult to distinguish for many. Where possible, consider patterns and textures on graphs or charts that are being used to convey information in addition to color.
Cultural Differences
There are cultural differences in how individuals perceive color. For example, red has very different interpretations based on culture – in the west we often think of red as denoting danger or stopping, whereas in many parts of Asia, it can indicate happiness and prosperity. In the Chinese stock exchange, red numbers are a positive indicator!
It may be important to consider specific workplace culture and occupants when making decisions about color for flooring, furniture, and wall treatments – as well as for artwork and signage.
Neurodiversity
Designing with awareness of Neurodiversity means appreciating and accounting for differences in the ways we process inputs, think, learn, and respond to stimulations. Color is a visual stimulation that will illicit different responses in individuals depending on their sensitivity to that input.
There is not one correct color palette – instead, consider aligning visual color stimulation with application. More calming colors (e.g. soft or muted colors, or colors found in nature) may promote focus in areas of lower stimulation and more vibrant colors may allow for stimulation in areas of group work or communal spaces.
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Trauma Informed Design
Within the pillar of Trauma Informed Design, we understand that trauma responses are automatic, human, and very common, and do our best to design environments to dissuade dysregulation and allow for recovery. Color can have a very real impact on how comfortable individuals feel within the work environment.
Allsteel recently conducted research about the impacts of trauma at work, and about the spaces in which individuals find respite. In our study, almost all participants responded that outdated or dull colors were not soothing. However, there was some division regarding the sensation experienced in environments with bright colors: 19% of participants found bright colors to be soothing, while about 21% found them to be activating. From this we can understand that having some areas with bright colors may be helpful, but these spaces should be selected intentionally and carefully.
How do we apply this knowledge?
Considering that color is a consideration in every pillar of Inclusive Design, we can understand that the choice of palette is important not only for design aesthetic, but also for a feeling of emotional comfort, sense of safety, and belongingness.
Activity-based planning can expand beyond design of floor plate and furniture selection to color selection. Extending our considerations of culture, function, occupants, and environment to consider color application may further our ability to create inclusive and productive spaces.
For designers and space planners interested in exploring more opportunities to discuss Inclusive Design, color may be a good segway into a broader conversation about the three pillars. Where else can we consider diversity among occupants? What else can we do to increase human-centric considerations and foster belonging in the spaces where we work and socialize?
Resources:
Color Psychology: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/effective-color-use-workspaces
Learning Lab with Laura Guido-Clark: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/design-resources/top-search-results?k=learning%20lab
Inclusive Design: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/insights/intentionally-include
Colour Blind Awareness: https://www.colourblindawareness.org/colour-blindness
Comparison of Red in Chinese and English: https://www.hpu.edu/research-publications/tesol-working-papers/2010/BaiRed.pdf