Exam 1 Flashcards
1
Q
What role does light play in design?
A
Light is a powerful element that affects how we perceive our environment and influences the mood and atmosphere of a space.
2
Q
What family does light belong to?
A
Light is part of the family of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which includes heat, light, X-rays, microwaves, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
3
Q
How does electromagnetic radiation (EMR) behave?
A
EMR travels at the speed of light, varies in wavelength and frequency, and does not have a smell or mess.
4
Q
What is the visible spectrum of light?
range in numbers
A
The visible spectrum includes wavelengths from 380 nanometers (violet) to 700 nanometers (red). This is the range of light our eyes can detect.
5
Q
Why is sunlight important for color perception?
A
Sunlight emits a full spectrum of EMR, but we only perceive the visible light spectrum. The color we see is based on how light interacts with objects.
6
Q
the amount of light emitted from or reflected off an object, often referred to as brightness, measured in candelas per square meter.
A
Luminance
7
Q
What is illuminance?
A
the amount of light that shines onto a surface, measured in lux (lumens per square meter) or foot-candles (lumens per square foot).
8
Q
What are the units of light measurement?
there are 3 Units
A
- Lumens measure luminous flux, or the total amount of light emitted.
- Candelas measure luminous intensity, or the brightness of a point source.
- Lux measures illuminance, or light intensity on a surface.
9
Q
What is metamerism?
A
The phenomenon where two similar objects appear to match in color under one light source but appear different under another.
10
Q
How does sunlight affect color and radiation?
A
Sunlight provides both heat and light, emitting the full spectrum of radiation, but most of this is blocked by the atmosphere. Infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation leak through.
11
Q
Is color inherent to objects?
A
No, color is not a property of objects themselves; it is our eyes’ translation of how light interacts with the object’s surface.
12
Q
What was the first light source used in interiors?
A
Candles were the first light source used in interiors.
13
Q
What is the difference between light and heat from the sun?
A
The sun emits both visible light (which we perceive as color) and infrared radiation (IR), which we feel as heat. Both are types of electromagnetic radiation.
14
Q
How do rough textures affect light and color perception?
A
Rough textures tend to look darker because they absorb more light.
15
Q
Why is color vital in space design?
A
Color is the most important element in space, influencing mood, scale, and perception of the space.
16
Q
How do color and light affect space?
A
Color and light can alter the use and perception of a space, manipulate emotions, give a sense of scale, and create illusions or emphasize certain features.
17
Q
The unconscious mechanism by which the eyes and brain work together to control the amount of light that enters the eyes, adjusting as needed in different lighting conditions.
A
adaptation in relation to light
18
Q
What happens during dark adaptation?
A
When entering a darker space, the eyes adjust to maximize available light, allowing better vision in low-light conditions.
19
Q
What happens during bright adaptation?
A
When transitioning into a brighter space, the eyes limit the amount of light entering to prevent overexposure.
20
Q
refers to the eye’s ability to focus on objects at different distances, ensuring clear vision as the focus shifts.
A
Acomodation in the context of light
21
Q
protects the inner components of the eye and refracts light, directing it to the back of the eyeball.
A
The function of the cornea.
22
Q
controls the amount of light entering the eye by adjusting the size of the pupil and carries the eye’s color.
A
The irises function
23
Q
the aperture controlled by the iris that regulates the amount of light entering the eye, acting like a shutter.
A
The function of the pupil
24
Q
focuses light onto the retina, adjusting its shape to focus on objects at various distances, enabling accommodation.
A
The function of the lens in the eye
25
contains light-detecting photoreceptors (rods and cones) that process visual information.
The retina
26
are sensitive to motion and primarily detect black and white, operating in low light (scotopic) conditions.
Function of rods in the retina
27
What is scotopic vision?
occurs in low-light situations and is primarily focused on brightness, resulting in monochromatic vision (black, white, and grey).
28
What do cones do in the retina?
active in brighter conditions (photopic vision) and are responsible for perceiving color and details.
29
What are the three classes of cones and their sensitivities?
- RHO (Red): Sensitive to red light (580 nm).
- GAMMA (Green): Sensitive to green light.
- BETA (Blue): Sensitive to blue light.
30
occurs in bright light and allows for the perception of details and colors through the cones.
| what we see
Photopic vision
31
measures the ability of a light source to render colors accurately, ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 representing full-spectrum light.
Color Rendering Index (CRI)
32
What is the color temperature of light?
describes the warmth or coolness of light, measured in Kelvin, with low temperatures being warm (reds) and high temperatures being cool (blues).
33
How does color blindness affect vision?
affects the cones in the eyes, particularly the red, green, and blue-sensitive cones, which may make colors like red and green appear neutral. Design for color-blind individuals by using contrast, brightness, and saturation.
34
How does aging affect vision?
the lens of the eye yellows and loses flexibility, making it harder to adjust to lighting changes and reducing color perception.
35
How can color intensity help with color discernment?
Colors with high intensity or saturation make it easier to discern different colors, which is important for contrast balancing, especially in daylight.
36
What are the properties of light?
Light properties include:
- Refraction: Bending of light.
- Reflection: Light bouncing off surfaces.
- Diffraction: The bending of light around obstacles.
- Absorption: Light being absorbed by materials (e.g., carpets).
- Transmission: The passage of light through materials (combining refraction and diffraction).
37
Refraction
Bending of light.
38
Reflection
Light bouncing off surfaces
39
The bending of light around obstacles.
Diffraction
40
Absorption
Light being absorbed by materials (e.g., carpets).
41
The passage of light through materials (combining refraction and diffraction).
Transmission
42
How does light color affect design?
| low & high
Low-color temperature light (warm light) renders reds well, while high-color temperature light (cool light) renders blues well. Understanding this helps in creating the right ambiance.
43
How do different light sources affect the Color Rendering Index (CRI)?
Different light sources have varying CRI values:
- Daylight and Incandescent: CRI = 100 (ideal, full-spectrum light).
- Fluorescent light: CRI = 75-95 (less accurate color rendering).
44
How much of sensory experiences are visual?
About 80% of sensory experiences are visual.
45
Who were the early color theorists?
Isaac Newton (1660s) and Josef Albers (1960s) studied and contributed to color theory.
46
What does color theory study?
Color theory studies and explains the characteristics of color creation, interactions, and arrangements.
47
Who created the first color wheel?
Isaac Newton created the first color wheel in his book Opticks.
48
What are the three dimensions of color according to Munsell?
hue (color), value (lightness/darkness), and chroma (saturation or purity of color).
49
How is Munsell's color system structured?
Munsell's color system uses a color tree with 10 hues, each assigned a specific position. Chroma is measured on a scale of 0-12, with colors becoming darker as they move outward from the trunk.
50
What is the significance of Albers’ color work?
Josef Albers studied color relationships and illusions of color, using colored paper in his book Interactions of Color.
51
What did Itten contribute to color theory?
Johannes Itten developed the 12-pointed color star and investigated cold-warm contrasts and the emotional impacts of color.
52
What is Birren known for in color theory?
Birren was the first theorist to recognize biological and psychological responses to color.
53
What are the most widely used international color systems?
The Natural Color System (NCS) and Pantone are the most widely used international systems.
54
The Natural Color System (NCS) and Pantone are the most widely used international systems.
| what is Pantone used for?
Pantone is used for color management in industries like retail, fashion, graphic arts, paint, and interiors.
55
a color system with 314 colors, including 34 vivid hues, 100 tints, 47 shades, and 17 greys (including black and white).
Color-aid
56
What is the difference between additive and subtractive color mixing?
- Additive color mixes light (RGB: Red, Green, Blue).
- Subtractive color mixes pigments (e.g., paint).
57
What happens in additive color mixing?
In additive color mixing, red, green, and blue light combine to create white light.
58
What happens in subtractive color mixing?
involves pigments that absorb and reflect light, such as mixing paint
59
refers to when colors appear differently under different lighting conditions or times of day.
metamerism
60
How does light affect color perception?
The orientation of windows and natural light affects how color is perceived in a space. For example, south-facing windows get bright, hot light that can weaken or fade colors.
61
the percentage of light reflected from a colored surface into the interior space. It ranges from 0% (black) to 100% (white).
Light Reflectance Value (LRV)
62
What are general LRV guidelines for spaces?
- Ceiling: 60-90 LRV
- Walls: 30-60 LRV
- Floors: 15-35 LRV
63
What is a tint, tone, and shade in color terminology?
- Tint: Color with white added (e.g., red + white = pink).
- Tone: Color with grey added (e.g., orange + grey).
- Shade: Color with black added (e.g., blue + black = navy).
64
What is the difference between chromatic and achromatic colors?
- Chromatic: Colors that exclude black, white, and grey.
- Achromatic: Colors without hue (Only black, white, grey).
65
What are primary, secondary, and tertiary colors?
- Primary hues: Red, blue, yellow.
- Secondary hues: Violet, green, orange (made by combining primary colors).
- Tertiary colors: Made by combining a primary and a secondary color.
66
What are complementary colors?
opposite one another on the color wheel and highlight each other.
67
adjacent to each other on the color wheel and often work well together.
Analogous colors
68
involves one main hue plus two hues adjacent to its complement.
Split complementary color scheme
69
uses variations of a single hue
monochromatic color scheme
70
involves three colors that are equally spaced on the color wheel.
Triadic color scheme
71
uses four colors equally spaced on the color wheel.
Tetradic color scheme
72
What are cool and warm colors?
- Cool colors: Blues, greens, and blue-violets.
- Warm colors: Reds, red-violets, yellows, and oranges.
73
What is brown in terms of color mixing?
Brown is not part of the color wheel and is made by mixing complementary colors, such as orange, red, and small amounts of black.
74
Why is balance important in design?
Balance creates aesthetic harmony and order in a space, helping to achieve unity from chaos.
75
What is the difference between physical and perceived balance?
Physical balance: The actual distribution of weight to achieve equilibrium.
Perceived balance: How visual weight is distributed to create a balanced appearance.
76
Refers to the perceived heaviness or lightness of an element, based on size, color, texture, and position in a design.
Visual weight
77
How can balance be achieved in design?
Balance can be achieved through symmetry, asymmetry, or radial balance.
78
when elements are identical on both sides of a central axis, creating a sense of stability. It’s commonly used in architecture and interior design.
Symmetry (formal balance).
79
What is asymmetry (informal balance)?
uses unequal visual weight on either side of a vertical axis, creating a more modern and dynamic feel while still maintaining balance.
80
Occurs when visual elements are arranged around a central point, creating a balanced design from multiple directions (e.g., flowers).
Radial balance
81
How does color contribute to balance?
Color affects balance in a space through its size, intensity, and contrast, as well as how it interacts with other colors and the overall environment.
82
What are the four types of color balance?
| There are 4
- Value contrast (light/dark)
- Hue balance (complementary colors)
- Intensity contrast (brightness/dullness)
- Size of the colored area (large/small)
83
The difference between light and dark colors. White is perceived as lighter, while black is perceived as heavier.
Value contrast in color
84
How does value contrast affect color perception?
Dark colors on a light background appear darker, and light colors on a dark background appear lighter, affecting how colors are perceived.
85
Refers to complementary colors placed next to each other, which intensify each other's brightness, creating a dynamic contrast
Hue balance
86
Occurs when the brightness (intensity) of colors varies. A small amount of intense color can be balanced by a larger amount of dull or achromatic colors.
Intensity contrast in color
87
How does the size of a colored area affect balance?
Larger color areas appear lighter, while smaller areas of color appear darker. When placed next to each other, smaller areas can intensify visual weight.
88
How does the location of colors within a 3D space affect balance?
The location of colors is as important as their selection. Colors must be placed thoughtfully within the space (e.g., focal points) to maintain balance.
89
How does color application affect space perception?
Color can be used to increase or decrease the perceived depth, width, and scale of a space (e.g., stripes for width or depth).
90
What are some common mistakes in color application?
- Using too many variations of value and chroma
- Overloading with light or intense colors without balancing with dark colors
- Using too many colors or hues in a palette
- Failing to balance highly saturated colors with dull colors
91
How can you avoid "single color overload"?
Limit the palette to 4 or 5 colors, with the first three being different hues and the remaining two as tints or shades of those hues.
92
What is "multiple color overload"?
Using too many colors can cause disorientation and create a sense of chaos, disrupting the harmony of the space.
93
Why should different types of wood be considered in a color palette?
Different types of wood have inherent colors and textures, so they should be considered as part of the overall color scheme of the space.
94
Why is color emotionally subjective in design?
Color perception varies from person to person due to individual experiences, history, culture, and sensory intake, making it highly personal.
95
How many colors can humans perceive?
Humans can see approximately 7 to 10 million colors.
96
How does color perception vary from person to person?
personal experiences, memories, culture, society, media exposure, and individual sensory intake.
97
How does color impact psychological responses?
Colors can trigger emotional and psychological reactions based on associations with objects, events, or cultural contexts.
98
Why is color not seen in isolation?
Color perception is influenced by its context within the surrounding space, including the interplay of light, texture, and shape.
99
How can color affect our biological system?
brain waves, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, and can even help treat conditions like depression through chromotherapy.
100
What is chromotherapy?
the practice of using color to treat illnesses or bring beneficial health effects.
101
How does color influence social and cultural trends?
Color trends change over time, often with a seven-year life span, and color preferences can be influenced by geographical regions and cultural traditions.
102
How do age and gender affect color preference?
color preferences may differ with age and gender, with newborns recognizing yellow hues first.
103
How do colors become associated with products or messages?
Colors like red and yellow are attention-grabbing and can evoke tension, often used in branding and product recognition (e.g., Campbell’s Soup).
104
What is the importance of color in branding and product recognition?
Color is a powerful tool in expressing personality, visual appeal, and brand identity, affecting 80% of human sensory experiences.
105
How do color myths and biases affect design?
Cultural, media, and political influences can lead to misconceptions about color (e.g., "boys don’t like pink"), but our preferences may change over time.
106
What should designers consider when working with color?
Designers should base color choices on evidence-based research, considering its psychological and physiological effects, and filter color choices through each design stage.
107
How does color influence space perception?
Color can affect the perceived size, mass, and volume of a space. Dark colors make spaces appear smaller, while light colors reflect light and make spaces seem larger.
108
How do warm and cool colors affect space?
- Warm colors: Advance toward the viewer, making spaces feel smaller.
- Cool colors: Recede, making spaces look larger.
109
What is the role of value in color design?
Value contrast (light and dark) in a color palette adds dimension, creates visual interest, and evokes emotions. Pure color without value contrast can overpower a space.
110
What is Itten's theory of color and basic shapes?
involves the use of basic shapes with color to explore contrasts and effects, contributing to visual harmony and balance in design.
111
Occurs when two adjacent hues affect each other’s intensity, resulting in a perceived third color.
Simultaneous contrast
112
What is the Bezold Effect?
The Bezold Effect occurs when the largest color area is replaced by a new color, causing an overall change in the color impression of the design.
113
How does color mixing work from a distance?
Patterns seen from far away can visually mix, creating new colors. For example, blue and yellow patterns may appear green when viewed together.
114
How often do color trends change?
Color trends typically have a seven-year life span, with cultural, societal, and consumer trends influencing these shifts.
115
What should be considered when selecting color for a client?
Ensure the color choice aligns with the client's preferences, while also advising them based on psychological effects, cultural context, and overall design goals.
116
How do color trends and preferences differ across cultures?
For example, blue is popular in Western cultures, while red is favored in Eastern cultures like Japan, reflecting cultural significance.
117
How do global design practices affect the interior design industry?
U.S. and foreign companies collaborate internationally, crossing borders and setting up satellite offices, creating a melting pot of cultural diversity in design.
118
What is the significance of knowing different cultures in design?
helps designers appreciate diversity, recognize similarities, and tailor designs to the cultural sensitivities and preferences of clients
119
What is the Native American belief about color symbolism?
Colors are linked to spiritual life, wisdom, and the natural world. For example, red symbolizes spiritual life, blue represents wisdom and water, and black relates to death and disease.
120
How do colors relate to direction in Mexican culture?
- East: Gold
- West: Turquoise
- South: White
- North: Red
- Dark Blue/Purple: Mourning and death
- Blue: To ward off evil
121
What color traditions were influenced by Spanish colonization in Mexico?
Spanish colonization introduced gold for the upper class, while tin was used for lower classes. The Spanish colonial style features heavy reds in tapestries and rugs, with white walls and wooden ceiling beams.
122
How does the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration influence color choices?
During Day of the Dead, orange and pink are common for decorating skeletons, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead.
123
What are the key color associations in Italian design?
- Red and Green: Catholic faith
- Gold: Divinity
- Blue: Heavens
- Purple: Mourning
- Black: Death
- White: Death of a youth
124
How does Italian color use reflect its landscape and food culture?
Color palettes in Italian design are inspired by the local food, landscape, and sea, using colors like red, bright-painted walls, and terra-cotta roofs. Pottery and decorative tiles with geometric patterns are also prominent.
125
What is the significance of blue in Moroccan design?
In Morocco, blue wards off evil, and light blue is often used for doors and shutters, especially in Chefchaouen, a city with a rich blue color tradition dating back to ancient Egypt.
126
What are some common colors and materials in Moroccan interiors?
Interiors often feature colors like beige, brown, saffron, terra-cotta, and cinnamon. Mosaics, carpets, and durable bedding are typical, with intricate tile designs covering entire rooms.
127
What are the important color associations in Pakistani culture?
- Green: Protective color
- White: Worn by men during weddings
- Red: Associated with women during weddings
- Black: Symbolizes divine truth or beauty
- Spring colors: Worn for the Basant Festival, celebrating seasonal change
128
How do colors reflect Japanese culture?
- Purple: Royalty and nobility
- Blue: Youth
- Yellow: Courage
- White: Purity (weddings) and death
- Red, Yellow, Blue, Green: Used in shrines for ceremonial purposes
- Black and Gold: Used in family shrines
129
What color is associated with purity and death in Japan?
White is associated with purity in weddings and death or departure in mourning.
130
How does Japanese design integrate color with nature?
often use natural organic materials and neutral colors, with bold colors used in shrines. Interior colors extend the natural landscape, expressing harmony between life and nature
131
Why is color symbolism important in global design?
Color symbolism influences cultural sensibilities and helps designers connect with clients' values and traditions, ensuring their work resonates across different cultural contexts.
