A colour value framework for colour design of lifestyle products

Abstract

This study probes the association between the design of Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) for lifestyle products and the perception of a product's value proposition. This paper details a survey conducted on the reasons for the use of colour on products and the analysis of the results for discernible patterns. Observed patterns are categorised, labelled, defined, inherent hierarchies identified, and validated through examples. The outcome of the analyses is the Colour Value Framework (CVF), presented as a hierarchically organised set of vocabularies representing the dominant patterns in the use of colour for coding value propositions into products. The applicability of the CVF in the CMF design process is discussed.