Depression to expression. Color as visual language to communicate complex emotions

The thesis regards the potent of graphic design in health care as an opportunity to communicate complex emotional experiences of depression. Using color as the design strategy, the idea is an expressional one: right color can communicate right message. The romance of color exists for everyone. The beginning of every color experience is a physiological response to a stimulus of light. This color experience is enriched in a design by variation in color attributes that open innumerable possibilities for expressive effect. The discrete contrast between colors, in terms of its attributes, creates interest in a design. The thesis is an effort to connect the emotional dimension of color experience with depression to visualise the illness in a new light. A distinctive color identity is given to the types of depression to portray the necessity of extending deserved sensitivity and sympathy to the subject. These identities are achieved by theoretical research of color concepts relative to perception and psychology, analytical study of survey results, formulation of value – saturation scale and color symbolism referenced to Indian culture. The thesis conceptualizes the methodological approach that can be adopted to develop color palettes in graphic design by considering the focal parameters relevant to the project. The results are incorporated in the illustration eBook ‘The Quirky Brain’. The final work is an anthology of short stories visualizing the inner thoughts that goes on and on in the mind of a depressed person. A monochromatic palette is adopted to maintain its identity as well as boost impactful message. The book, eventually, narrates that change of emotions follows the change in color