The Colour Of Emotion

Activities

Before viewing

• Discuss and list with students the emotions associated with different colours. Note that in different cultures, colours can be associated with different emotions.
  
• Make a large display of fashion items and product designs from the 1960s, seventies, eighties, nineties and the present day. Identify key technological developments and visual design elements such as colours, shapes and forms.
  
• Make a collection of portable lights from the 1960s onwards for students to conduct a product analysis. Suggest that the students include the following headings:
  
• function: define the purpose
  
• ergonomics: ease of use, wearability
  
• aesthetics: consider colour, shape, form, line and texture
  
• scientific/technological aspects: how does it work
  
• construction: what is it made from, how was it made
  
• environmental considerations: how long will it last; can its components by recycled

After viewing

• Discuss with the students key features/concepts of the programme in relation to:
  
• how designers use colour, eg to identify, emphasise shape and form, to trigger emotions and moods
  
• new technologies, eg electro-luminescent materials, high-intensity diodes, 'Lava Lamp technology', CAD programs for computer modelling
  
• Purchase electro-luminescent (EL) starter packs (£8.83 each) from Teaching Resources, Middlesex University, Trent Park, Bramley Road, Oakwood, London, N14 4YZ, Tel: 020 8447 0342. Allow the students to experiment with the packs with a view to developing their own 'design and make' activity that uses the full potential of electro-luminescent materials.
  
• Develop a design brief with the students that makes use of at least one high intensity LED and 3v lithium battery in a new novelty product. The battery and diodes are available from the Design and Making Centre, telephone 01209 719354 and Teaching Resources (as above) or Rapid Electronics (Education), telephone 01206 751166. All catalogues are full of high tech materials suitable for school projects.
  
• Smart wire, thermocolour sheet, polymorph, smart colours and glow in the dark pigment, all available from Teaching Resources at Middlesex University, are all worthy of incorporating into projects similar to those above.
  
• Ask the students to contribute to a class display of innovative new products or photographs of products that use new and exciting technologies.