Our Thinking: Colouring our world

Colour choices and contrast matter, especially when they can improve daily experiences and enhance spaces for those experiencing dementia

Visual perception plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It influences how we interpret the world and our surroundings. If impaired, it can cause disorientation, confusion and increased risk of accidents. Perhaps most damaging for overall well being, it can drastically impact how safe and welcome we feel in a space. 

For those living with dementia, visual impairments are common. When combined with the associated memory loss, patients are susceptible to experiencing greater levels of stress, anxiety and a reduced quality of life. 

As designers, we have the power to influence how people experience spaces. Our considerations and choices matter. We have the ability to transform spaces from overwhelming to calming, illegible to legible, strange to familiar. 

One powerful element we use to influence this change is colour contrast. 

Colour contrast recommended between elements is 75% deferential

How we use colour contrast

Colour contract is the distinction between different colours or between an object and its background. For those experiencing dementia, a high contrast environment can assist patients to better perceive and distinguish objects, such as the floor from the legs of a chair.

Visual clutter and cognitive overload can cause spaces to appear unappealing, intimidating or unwelcoming

Most importantly for us as wayfinders, it can help to aid orientation and reduce visual confusion. When we design with colour’s impact in mind, we’re designing to improve daily life for those who require higher contrast visual cues to navigate a space independently. 

We’re also conscious of how colour contrast or the inclusion of notes of colour in a built environment can affect the overall feeling of a space. When deployed thoughtfully, certain colour notes and application can activate a space, making it more engaging, interesting and homey. 

Conversely, dull, uninspiring or cluttered spaces can hide spaces, making them unattractive, intimidating or unwelcoming. For those living with dementia, this can mean patients won’t enter a certain area or participate in activities in a space, negatively impacting their overall health. 

Contrast choices matter

We visit a lot of spaces for both research and inspiration purposes. We encounter a great deal of good design featuring colour contrast. We also see a lot of examples of poor use of contrast. 

We love slick and colour matching designs. They may look beautiful, but they come with a significant downside – they make the partly visible world invisible to those with impaired vision. 

As designers, we’re tasked with ensuring our surroundings are inclusive and supportive. By including colour contrast considerations into design from the beginning through simple strategies, such as contrasting doorways, floors, signage and furniture, we can create environments that empower people to live with greater independence day-to-day.