The evolution of colour in design from the 1950s to today

Abstract

This project analyses the chromatic evolution of the past sixty years in the world of product design, identifying the most significant colors of each decade. The concept of chromatic cycles is introduced. Their duration depends on the chroma: the higher the chroma the shorter the duration. Neutrals last longer than accents. Owing to differences in cycle duration, accents and neutrals are always combined in different ways. Thus, with the passing of time, innovative combinations are originated. However, the cycle analysis makes it possible to predict future color scenes with good accuracy.