Study: Blue makes creative, red increases caution
The color blue stimulates our creativity and encourages new problem-solving strategies. Red, on the other hand, increases caution and our attention to detail. This is shown by studies conducted by Canadian researchers. These findings could be of interest to the advertising industry.
The color blue stimulates our creativity and promotes new solution strategies. Red, on the other hand, increases caution and the ability to absorb details. This is shown by studies conducted by Canadian researchers.
The subjects had to take part in six different brain performance tests, mostly on a computer with either a red, blue or white screen background. The researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver observed how the background color influenced the test result. Increased attention with a red screen background, for example, led to better performance of the test subjects in a memory test, according to SDA in the journal Science on Friday. A blue background, on the other hand, led to more creative problem solving.
Color of advertisements influences product choice
Furthermore, the background color of an advertisement influenced the subjects' choice of product. For example, they preferred tooth whitener (blue background) compared to a toothpaste that was supposed to prevent cavities (red background). In general, the color red is associated with danger and warning, while blue is associated with calm and peace. In these associations, the researchers also see the reason for the different performance of the test subjects.
According to the study, red activates an attentive avoidance attitude, while blue promotes courageous innovations by conveying a sense of security. The researchers draw far-reaching consequences from their study results: The advertising industry could use the results for itself, and employers could be guided by the findings when designing workspaces.
The subjects had to take part in six different brain performance tests, mostly on a computer with either a red, blue or white screen background. The researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver observed how the background color influenced the test result. Increased attention with a red screen background, for example, led to better performance of the test subjects in a memory test, according to SDA in the journal Science on Friday. A blue background, on the other hand, led to more creative problem solving.
Color of advertisements influences product choice
Furthermore, the background color of an advertisement influenced the subjects' choice of product. For example, they preferred tooth whitener (blue background) compared to a toothpaste that was supposed to prevent cavities (red background). In general, the color red is associated with danger and warning, while blue is associated with calm and peace. In these associations, the researchers also see the reason for the different performance of the test subjects.
According to the study, red activates an attentive avoidance attitude, while blue promotes courageous innovations by conveying a sense of security. The researchers draw far-reaching consequences from their study results: The advertising industry could use the results for itself, and employers could be guided by the findings when designing workspaces.
