What is ‘Color Ergonomics’?
Keeping it simple, ‘Color Ergonomics’ is the science of using the most appropriate color in a certain situation that will best benefit the individuals working in that environment. We’re leveraging this science to provide you with comprehensive color information that will make a big difference for your facility. We can use color to minimize eye strain, enhance concentration and make the work environment safer. And those are just a few examples.

Color Theory Beginnings
In the mid-1920’s the use of functional color was just being developed. Early studies were conducted in hospitals in an attempt to lessen glare and improve the vision of the surgeon. This color movement caught on and extended to schools, offices and industrial plants. Today ‘Color Ergonomics,’ or color theory, is critical to creating productive atmospheres in increasingly demanding work environments.

Using Color to Our Advantage
There’s lots to consider when color styling an industrial facility. The selection of appropriate color is based on everything from lighting conditions, temperature fluctuations and working atmosphere, to concentration on the product or service being provided.

For example, when we perform a task, our eyes are constantly adjusting to compensate for lighting levels, so severe differences of light and dark can cause problems. They constrict the pupil and deprive the eye of sufficient light to see clearly, causing strain. It’s the goal of the color consultant or designer to select colors that will minimize eye strain and enhance the work atmosphere.

To assist with many of these design concerns, we have an expert staff in our Color Design Studio with experience in color styling the most demanding environments. Our designers will specify colors for every surface and Devoe representatives will specify the correct products for your application.

Light Reflectance
Another aspect we are all familiar with is how light or dark a color is. However, the actual amount of light we perceive is affected by lighting, shadows and sheen level within a room. To describe how much light is reflected by a surface of a certain color, we developed a notation system that provides a Light Reflectance Value (LRV). LRV consists of a two-digit number between 00 and 99. The higher the LRV, the lighter the color—hence the lower the number, the darker the color. In a room painted with colors of a low LRV (darker colors), more light will be required than in a room painted with high LRV colors (lighter colors). To eliminate eye strain and create a better overall work environment, Light Reflectance Values should try to match the following:

Upper wall areas: 50, 60 or 70, depending on surrounding surfaces and working conditions. Try to match values between the wall and floor to eliminate eyestrain.

Lower wall areas: 25-40

Machinery, equipment and desks: 25-40

Floors: 20, if practical

Each facility is unique, depending on the surfaces that must be painted, so these numbers represent guidelines. Ceilings, almost without exception, should be white. A ceiling that projects a color will diminish valuable light and may distract attention away from a task. White ceilings are also essential to the efficiency of natural and artificial lighting systems.

You can check the Light Reflectance Value information in the numbering system on all our Devoe Paint colors. The center two-digit number provides this important data.

Hot and Cold
The temperature of the environment is also an important consideration when selecting colors. Warm and cool colors can be used to help create surroundings that are more comfortable. In very cold spaces, such as laboratories, food-processing areas, freezer units, warehouse, storage and shipping areas, it makes sense to utilize colors that are ‘warm’ such as yellow, gold, peach, copper or beige. These colors will help add to the sensation that the atmosphere is warmer. Alternately, in very warm spaces, such as welding areas, heavy heat-producing manufacturing sites, congested equipment areas, boiler and furnace rooms and warmer climates where heat is oppressive, ‘cool’ colors such as green, teal, blue and gray will promote a sense of coolness and freshness.

Prioritizing with Color
The level of activity in each workplace will vary. Some facilities may operate at a moderate pace, while others may be extremely hectic. In each circumstance it is crucial to create as much organization as possible, which will help reduce stress. Color can be used to help sort, organize, prioritize, transport and identify. Important elements may be easily distinguished from those that are more insignificant simply by color application.

Safety & Compliance Color Concerns
Using appropriate safety colors to designate cautions and hazards, as well as safe areas, is a significant step in achieving excellence in the industrial atmosphere. One service provided by our Color Design Studio includes the development of ‘Custom Pipeline Identification Displays.’ With these unique displays you will be able to visually illustrate your own corporate pipeline specifications.

Previews
In addition to outstanding products, the services of our ICI Color Design Studio will assist you in visualizing your unique facility with our ‘Previews’ program.

Imagine a world where your industrial plant is transformed with the color vision of our professionals. Inside the Color Design Studio, artistry incorporated with innovative technology turns the emotion of color into reality.

You can benefit by ‘Previewing’ new color applications, visualizing and experimenting prior to commitment and purchase. Simply by providing our designers with photographs of your project.

The Perfect Product
A critical step is finding the most appropriate product for your unique application. We are dedicated to excellence in product and color. Proper coatings specifications and long-term performance, with UV protection an important consideration, will safeguard your color choice and assure you the highest degree of color retention. The longevity of your color is particularly significant in areas of safety and hazard identification.

The Power of Color
Color is an incredible tool. The results of picking the perfect colors for your facility can include such benefits as an increase in production and improved quality control. And in addition to aesthetic improvements, a reduction in absenteeism and improved morale are often noticed when we take the time to carefully color style these special industrial environments.

For More Information
For further color research and reference please review our Bibliography which contains extensive information from many artists, scientists and professionals regarding the industry, science and psychology of color.