Page 179 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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168 The Creative Training Idea Book
to the impact of color; however, many similarities have been found. For example, lighter,
primary colors are preferred over white, gray, black, and brown. According to Howard 13
the following applications of color often seem to work in various environments:
Cafeterias Purple
Sales rooms Yellow, orange, and coral
Conference rooms Red
Offices Blue with a tinge of red
Production areas Green
Rooms for overly active children Pink (tends to calm)
Waiting areas Green (restful)

In his book, The Power of Color, Dr. Morton Walker explores many facets of using
color in a variety of settings while citing a multitude of studies done in the field of
chromatology (the science of color). Walker states that, “Whether you realize it or not,
you probably associate every color with some particular feeling, behavior, lesson, action,
experience, environment or event in your personal past.” 14 Much of this association also
comes from historic or cultural relationships. Think about how certain colors represent
social and economic status (e.g., burgundy and gold for royalty in some cultures)
whereas others have a particular significance (e.g., white is often associated with purity
and weddings in some countries while black is associated with death).
By understanding the impact that color has on the subconscious mind, you can
potentially harness its power in designing and using your learning environment, posters,
handouts, and other support materials. For example, while cool, darker colors can soothe,
calm, and relax, bright, hot and neon colors can stimulate, excite, grab attention, and
raise emotions.

BRIGHT I DEA
o better determine which colors have the greatest impact on learning and your
Tparticipants, why not give a little test. List all the colors shown in Figure 5-1 on a
flip chart or writing board and have participants copy them, then write beside them
one to three adjectives that they think of related to each color. Use the consensus
gained to determine what colors to use for handouts, visual aids, training materials,
and peripherals that you will post on the wall in future sessions. Keep in mind that
the cultural and age makeup of your group will often influence how they perceive
colors. For this reason, you may want to have them indicate gender, place of birth,
and age group (e.g., under 20, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, and 50 plus). You can then
implement a demographically focused use of colors.