Course title
Y00071002
Color Theory

 NAKAGAWA Akira
Middle-level Diploma Policy (mDP)
Program / Major mDP Goals
Department of Design Engineering E E 情報技術に関する高度な専門知識やデジタル技術を含む他の専門分野の知識・技術を活用し、構想を具体化するとともに、実現に向けた取り組みを行うことができる。
Purpose of class
The objective of this course is to enable students to understand and utilize color not merely as a decorative technique, but as a design element that supports information communication, impression formation, safety, and usability. First, students will acquire knowledge of fundamental theories—such as vision, light, the three attributes of color, contrast, and harmony—and cultivate the ability to make informed judgments. Furthermore, they will develop foundational skills to explain color selection and evaluation based on purpose and usage context, drawing on examples from color psychology and UX.
Course description
This course approaches color not merely as a “technique for making things look pretty,” but as a design element that supports information transmission, impression formation, safety, and usability. The course is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on foundational theories, including light and vision, the three attributes of color, tone, contrast, and harmony. The latter half explores how color relates to human activities, covering color psychology and its connection to UX, and examining case studies in packaging design and public design. The final session includes a summary and a review test to assess understanding of terminology and the ability to evaluate case studies.
Goals and objectives
  1. Understand the fundamental concepts of color and be able to explain differences in how colors appear and the impressions they create using appropriate terminology.
  2. Based on the purpose of color—such as conveying information, shaping impressions, or ensuring safety—we can evaluate various design examples and propose improvements.
  3. From a UX perspective, I can explain how to approach and manage color based on usage scenarios.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 Midterm assignment Final Report Total.
1. 20% 15% 35%
2. 15% 20% 35%
3. 15% 15% 30%
Total. 50% 50% -
Evaluation method and criteria
〈Evaluation Method〉Midterm assignments will account for 50% of the grade, and the final report will account for 50%.
〈Evaluation Criteria〉Each assignment will be evaluated based on understanding of fundamental theories, alignment with objectives, improvement proposals, UX perspectives, and operational considerations. A passing score of 60 points represents the minimum standard for achieving the course objectives.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Guidance: Overview of Color Theory (The Role of Color in Design) Check the “Preparation Section Before Course Registration” in the syllabus. 50minutes
Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
2. Vision and Color Perception: Color Perception Diversity and Consideration Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
3. Light and Color: Lighting, Color Rendering, Environment Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
4. Three Attributes of Color ①: Hue, Value, Saturation Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
5. Three Attributes of Color ②: Tone and Color Solid Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
6. Colorimetric Systems and Color Measurement: Expressing color numerically, measuring color differences Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
7. Color Harmony: Principles of Visual Comfort (Contrast and Assimilation) and Color Scheme Patterns Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
8. Midterm Check: Review of Midterm Assignments Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Midterm Project 100minutes
9. Color Psychology ①: Meaning, Symbolism, Preferences, Trends (CI/VI) Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Final Report Preparation 100minutes
10. Color Psychology Part 2: Readability, Optical Illusions, and Safety Colors Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Final Report Preparation 100minutes
11. Color and UX: Information Architecture (Attention Guidance, Meaning Attribution, Trust) and Evaluation Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Final Report Preparation 100minutes
12. Product and packaging colors: Materials, gloss, store lighting, aging effects Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Final Report Preparation 100minutes
13. Signage and Public Design Colors: Guidance, Identification, Safety, Consideration Review and summary of handouts, note-taking 100minutes
Final Report Preparation 100minutes
14. Summary: Summary, Final Final Report Preparation 100minutes
Total. - - 2650minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class
Textbooks and reference materials
Required literature will be specified during class.
(Reference Books)
・ Masashi Oyama, “Introduction to Color Science: The Psychology of Color and Sensibility,” The University of Tokyo Press, ISBN-10 4130820702
・ Hiroyuki Shinoda, Ichiro Fujieda, “Introduction to Color Engineering: Quantitative Understanding and Application of Color,” Morikita Publishing, ISBN-10 4627846819
Prerequisites
Check the syllabus.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Send an email to the instructor with your question.
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
  • Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
Active-learning course
About half of the classes are interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
Applicable Akira Nakagawa: Learn from 17 years of practical experience at NHK and Oriental Land.
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 4.QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 8.DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
  • 11.SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Last modified : Sat Mar 14 13:56:25 JST 2026