The Influence of Pattern and Color Interaction in Object Color Preference

Abstract

A mixed method study was conducted to examine the influence of pattern density and color contrast in object color preference for two-color combinations. This study answered four questions: What colors are selected by participants when shown a set of solid colored hues? Which density and contrast levels are preferred by participants? Which objects do participants prefer for a specific colored pattern swatch? Why? A convenience sample of 30 undergraduate design students from the College of Design at the University of Minnesota participated in this research. Four main conclusions were the result of this research: First, color influences pattern more than pattern influences color. The same pattern of the same density appears different and would be preferred for big or small objects based on its colors. Second, the most preferred combinations have medium value or chroma (middle), low chroma (muted), high value (light). The least preferred combinations have very high chroma (saturated), or low value (dark). Third, the most preferred color combinations create sufficient contrast (high or mid) between the foreground element and background. The least preferred color combinations create low or no contrast between the foreground element and background. Fourth, the participants’ responses were varied between subjective and objective. Some responses were more subjective than objective. In this case, the participants related their preferences to their personal life and experience. Other responses were more objective than subjective. In this case, the participants related their preferences to the properties of color, pattern and the object size or purpose.