IMPACT OF COLORS ON USER EXPERIENCE FOR AN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING

ABSTRACT
Color plays a pivotal role in shaping user experience within institutional buildings,
particularly in college environments where cognitive engagement, emotional well-being, and
spatial perception are critical. This study explores the psychological and behavioral impact of
different color schemes within a college building, focusing on classrooms, corridors,
libraries, study areas, and social spaces. Using a mixed-method approach, including student
and faculty surveys, observational studies, and environmental psychology principles, the
research evaluates how color influences concentration, stress levels, mood, and spatial
navigation.
Findings indicate that warm colors (e.g., red, orange, and yellow) stimulate energy and
creativity but may contribute to increased stress in high-focus areas such as exam halls and
lecture rooms. Conversely, cool colors (e.g., blue and green) enhance concentration and
relaxation, making them more suitable for libraries, study zones, and counseling rooms.
Neutral tones (e.g., gray, beige, and white) offer a minimalist aesthetic and institutional
identity but, when overused, can lead to perceptions of monotony and emotional detachment.
Additionally, strategic use of accent colors (e.g., green for rejuvenation, yellow for positivity,
and blue for tranquility) can improve spatial engagement and directional clarity.
The study underscores the importance of color psychology in architectural planning for
educational institutions. It highlights the necessity of a balanced color strategy to enhance
academic performance, well-being, and user satisfaction while aligning with the institution’s
branding and identity. The research provides practical recommendations for architects,
interior designers, and college administrators to create a color-conscious learning
environment that optimally supports cognitive function and emotional comfort.

KEYWORD
Color psychology, Cognitive response to colors, Emotional impact of colors, color and
academic performance, Color and behavioral Influenc, Student well-being and colors, Color
and stress reduction, Psychological effects of color, Color-Based Wayfinding

INTRODUCTION
Color influences human psychology, behavior, and spatial perception, directly affecting
students, faculty, and staff in a college environment. The right color choices can enhance
cognitive function, mood, concentration, and stress levels, ultimately impacting learning
outcomes and overall well-being. Studies show that blue and green improve focus and
relaxation, making them ideal for lecture halls and libraries, while yellow fosters creativity
and optimism, beneficial in innovation-related spaces. However, poorly chosen color schemes
may lead to distractions, fatigue, or even anxiety, highlighting the need for research-based
design decisions.
Furthermore, stress and mental health concerns are prevalent among students, and the
physical environment plays a crucial role in emotional regulation. Soft, nature-inspired hues
can create a sense of tranquility, whereas excessively bright or neutral tones may contribute
to disengagement. Research is necessary to identify which colors can help create a balanced
atmosphere that reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being. Additionally, institutional
buildings are often complex structures, and wayfinding can be a challenge for students and
visitors. Strategic use of color can improve navigation, enhance spatial organization, and
create color-coded zones that facilitate easy movement within the campus. A research-driven
approach ensures that contrast, visibility, and accessibility are optimized for all users,
including individuals with visual impairments or sensory sensitivities.
Institutional branding is another key factor where color plays a role. Colleges and universities
have unique identities that can be reinforced through color choices, but it is equally important
that these colors contribute to a positive psychological impact rather than being selected
purely for aesthetic or traditional reasons. Research ensures that branding colors are used in a
way that supports both identity and functionality. Lastly, an inclusive design approach is
necessary to cater to diverse user groups, including those with color blindness or sensory
sensitivities. By conducting thorough research on how different demographics respond to
colors, institutions can create adaptive, inclusive, and engaging environments that enhance
user satisfaction and productivity. In conclusion, research on color impact is crucial for
designing student-friendly, psychologically supportive, and functionally efficient institutional
buildings, ensuring that the environment actively contributes to academic success and well-
being.

LITERATURE REVIEW
The hospital took advantage of color consulted with an especially in health care, who
suggested that the hospital avoids using lavender-purple family in treatment words as these
colors cause disturbance in the focus of the eye and usually give the eye a sickly yellow-
green afterimage. White inculcated a sterile sense with minimized therapeutic application.
Yellowish green was rejected because its reflection causes human flesh to look like a sickly
pallor.(Aminian, 2017). Light and pale colors recede whereas dark hues or saturated colors
protrude. That is how they affect the apparent size an interior space.(Aminian, 2017). Color
and light has direct and indirect effects on the physique and psychology of human. Light gets
through the eye at different wavelengths (color) which directly impacts the hypothalamus,
also known as the center of emotions in human brain. This imposes effect on the pituitary
gland which controls the whole 49 endocrine system. It regulates the thyroid and sex glands,
resulting in the regulations of hormone levels in the body and the moods they bring along
(Birren, Aminian, 1961). Neutral colors are considered for using in this library by its designer
(light brown and white) which these two passive colors have no special effects. (Aminian,
2017). Generally dark colors appear heavy and light, less saturated colors (pastel) look less
dense and the lighter. Warmer hues look heavier than cooler hues. Cool colors can also help
objects look smaller or shorter. Warm colors do the opposite. These are essential factors in
color design with consideration of the big picture of the interior space. In interior spaces
with really high ceilings, warmer or darker hues are used to make them look lower and it is
the effect of the heaviness of dark hues with its advancing characteristic. On the contrary,
light colors make them appear higher (Payne, Aminian, 1961). Color perception depends on
many things, from physiological factors such as a person’s brain interpretation form signals
sent by the eyes to a person biases in terms of psychology and culture or ever whether there
is a defect is one’s color vision. People relate differently to color. Most think of color as
simply color- red is forever red and blue is just blue. But the fact is that color perception
varies dramatically from person to person and also from species to species (Kuller, Mikellides
& Janssens, 2009).

Besides the physiological influence, color also impacts readers’ psychology. Men have
different associations with different colors stemming from different life experiences. These
associations can be direct and figurative, or indirect and abstract. But color’s influence on
men’s psychology, in a certain way, shares similarities. The reactions to the strength, depth,
expansion, temperature of color are not that different (CHEN, The Study on Color Design of
the Interior Space, 2015). But if there is an excess of cool colors in the library, students are
likely to feel visually nervous and down, losing reading interests. So an appropriate area of
warm color not only helps to keep the young readers focus and calm, but also contributes to
promoting their thinking, understanding and assimilating of knowledge. (CHEN, The Study
on Color Design of the Interior Space, 2015). So an appropriate area of warm color not only
helps to keep the young readers focus and calm, but also contributes to promoting their
thinking, understanding and assimilating of knowledge. (CHEN, The Study on Color Design
of the Interior Space, 2015).

Color choices can positively influence patient and staff experiences may lead to improved
patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stays, and potentially better treatment outcomes.
(Singh, 2024). Preferences of Thematic Design and Color: The preference of thematic designs
and colors among children and young people was explored by J. Coad and N. Coad (2008).
Their study, published in the Journal of Child Health Care, indicated that children and young
people in a new children's unit preferred thematic designs of walls, doors, and floors (Coad
& Coad, 2008). (Singh, 2024). Colors like Blue, which are commonly preferred, can be
strategically used to create more engaging and comforting environments in play areas. Well-
designed hospitals with carefully chosen colors can foster a positive work atmosphere for
professionals. This can lead to higher morale. Comfortable and relaxing spaces with
appropriate color choices in waiting areas and family rooms can significantly alleviate stress
and anxiety for families during a child's hospitalization. The finding that Blue is a universally
preferred color suggests its versatility in creating positive environments in paediatrics
hospitals. The generally neutral perceptions of the environment by all groups indicate that
the chosen colors do not have strong negative effects, which can be considered a positive
outcome. (Singh, 2024)
AIM
The primary aim of this research is to analyze and understand how different color schemes
affect user experience within an institutional building, particularly in a college setting. The
study seeks to explore the psychological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts of color on
students, faculty, and staff, providing a research-based framework for designing academic
spaces that enhance learning, well-being, and spatial functionality.
A key objective is to determine how color influences concentration, stress levels, mood, and
perception of space in different areas of a college building, including classrooms, libraries,
corridors, study areas, and social spaces.

OBJECTIVE
This research aims to explore how color influences user experience in institutional buildings,
particularly in a college environment, by examining its effects on psychological, cognitive,
and behavioral responses. It seeks to understand how different color schemes impact mood,
stress levels, focus, and academic performance, ensuring that educational spaces are
conducive to both learning and mental well-being. Additionally, the study investigates the
role of color in spatial perception and navigation, improving wayfinding and accessibility
within college buildings. By identifying the most effective color choices for classrooms,
libraries, corridors, and social areas, the research aims to create environments that support
concentration, relaxation, and social interaction. Another key focus is the integration of
institutional branding through color while maintaining a balance between aesthetics and
functionality.

GAP
. Narrow Discussion on Cognitive and Psychological Effects
 The study discusses color’s psychological impact but does not explore its direct
influence on productivity, memory retention, or learning efficiency.
 It does not reference neuroscientific or psychological studies that explain how colors
affect brain function in academic settings.
No Discussion on Color Preferences Based on Demographics
 The study does not consider how age, gender, cultural background, or personal
preference influence color perception and user comfort in institutional spaces.

METHODOLOGY
VARIABLES
Dependent Variables (Psychological Effects,Cognitive Performance & Behavior, User
Engagement & Interaction, Navigation & Spatial Perception ), Control Variables (Lighting
Type & Intensity , Furniture & Interior Design , Time of Day & Weather Conditions)
External Variables (Personal Preferences & Color Associations, Psychological State of
Users ,Previous Exposure to Similar Color Environments ,Cultural Interpretations of Colors )

RESEARCH TYPE
Applied Research, Empirical Research, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research,
Experimental Research, Descriptive Research, Mixed-Methods Research

SAMPLING
A.Stratified Random Sampling (Best Approach)
B. Purposive Sampling (If Specific Insights Are Needed)
C. Convenience Sampling (For Quick, General Data)

A well-balanced sample should include:

 Students (Undergraduates, postgraduates) – 60-70% of the sample
 Faculty members – 15-20% of the sample
 Administrative & Support Staff – 1-2% of the sample
 Visitors & External Users (Optional) – If studying how outsiders experience the
building

Sampling Locations in the College Building

 Classrooms & Lecture Halls (Focused color impact on learning)
 Library & Study Spaces (Impact on concentration and reading efficiency)
 Hallways & Common Areas (Wayfinding and spatial perception)
 Cafeteria & Relaxation Zones (Psychological comfort and social interactions)
 Administrative Offices (Professional and work-related impact)
Data Collection Techniques Based on Sampling
Surveys & Questionnaires (To collect self-reported preferences, mood changes, and color
perception) ,Observational Studies (Watching user behavior in different color environments),
Experiments & Controlled Studies (Measuring cognitive performance, stress levels, and
engagement under different color settings),Interviews & Focus Groups ( Gathering
qualitative insights on personal experiences with colors.)

Selection of Research Methods

. Mixed-Methods Research (Combines quantitative (numerical data) and qualitative
(experiential feedback) methods.)

Data Collection Methods

Quantitative Methods
Objective & Measurable, Surveys & Questionnaires(collect self-reported data on color
preferences, mood changes, and perception of space, target groups: Students, faculty, staff),
Experimental Research (Set up test environments with different color schemes in classrooms,
hallways, and study areas, Eye-Tracking & Physiological Studies(Use eye-tracking
technology to study how users visually engage with color-coded spaces.),
Observational Studies (Researchers observe user behavior in different colored spaces (e.g.,
time spent in study areas, ease of wayfinding),focus on patterns of movement, interaction,
and engagement.)

Qualitative Methods Interviews & Focus Groups(Conduct structured discussions with

students, faculty, and architects on how color influences emotions, concentration, and
productivity.), Case Studies of Other Institutions(Analyze how successful colleges and
universities use color in their architectural designs), Photo & Video Analysis(analyze how
colors are perceived in various lighting conditions.)

Data Analysis Methods

Qualitative Analysis
 Thematic Analysis – Identifying common themes in interview responses (e.g., "Blue
walls make me feel calm").
 Content Analysis – Studying how users describe their experiences in open-ended
surveys.
 Ethical Considerations
 Informed Consent – Participants must agree to surveys, interviews, and experiments.
 Anonymity & Confidentiality – Protecting user identity and responses.
CONCLUSION

The conclusion of the paper emphasizes the significant role of color in enhancing the user
experience in institutional buildings, particularly high school libraries. Proper color
utilization, following established principles of color coordination and psychological effects,
creates a reading environment that is comfortable, quiet, fresh, and harmonious. This, in turn,
fosters a sense of belonging among students and positively impacts their thinking, aesthetic
perception, and learning efficiency. Ultimately, well-planned color design contributes to the
overall success and functionality of high school library spaces.

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