Welcome back to the third of our new series, The Power of Colour. This year we thought it would be interesting to explore and share the powerful impact that colour can have on our emotions, behaviour and overall well-being. In the last post we explored the psychological impact of Orange. This month, we discover how yellow has cultural significance and differing psychological effects to Orange and Magenta as well as some practical applications.

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YELLOW

Yellow is a versatile colour that can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, from warmth and positivity to caution and warning. From the iconic 90s smiley face to Big Bird from Sesame Street, yellow is associated with happiness, optimism and childhood in western societies. On the flip side, yellow is also used in traffic lights and road signs to alert drivers to slow down or proceed with caution. We even use it in traditional highlighter pens to draw attention to a specific piece of information! In western society, our brains have been wired to take notice of yellow.

When it comes to branding and marketing, brands such as McDonald's, Selfridges, and Yellow Pages (or Yell!) use yellow in their logos to convey a sense of energy, innovation and excitement. All of these brands have thought of new ways to do something, or are innovative, in their sector - McDonald reinvented the restaurant experience, Selfridges pride itself in being forward thinkers with experiential moments in store and Yell created a way for people to communicate better.

Whereas brands like Post-it, have used yellow to highlight their products on the shelf and lean into yellow as a stand-out colour - much like how their products stand out in their use. However, it's important to note that the use of yellow in branding and marketing can also depend on cultural context. In some cultures, yellow is associated with death and mourning, so it may not be the best choice for certain products or services.

Overall, yellow is a powerful colour that can be used to convey a sense of energy, warmth, and optimism. Whether you're using it in branding, marketing, or design it's sure to add a touch of vibrancy and positivity to your message. So next time you're looking to add a little sunshine to your life, consider incorporating yellow into your life.