EVERYDAY DESIGN PRODUCTS AND LONG-TERM MEMORY: THE COLOUR INFLUENCE ON EMOTIONAL RESPONSE AND PERCEIVED USABILITY

Abstract

Colour is an important component of product design and can influence usage interaction. This study aimed to study the influence of the colour of everyday products on the emotional response and perceived usability of senior adult females. Thirty women between 60 and 80 years old participated, who evaluated clay sausage roaster in three different colours, based on two protocols: Emotional Response Cards (ERC) and Perceived Usability Cards (PUC). The product in the “Terracotta” colour was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) better evaluated (emotional response and perceived usability) than the products in the other colours (“green” and “grey”). The colour “Terracotta” was decisive in confirming that the memory factor of long-term experiences contributed to the results achieved. The application of colours in the design ofproducts aimed at older users must consider long-termexperiences and be treated as an inclusivity factor.