A cor enquanto elemento do projecto no design de produto

Colour is an essential element of human life: it is the key to understanding the world. It is present in consumers’ daily life, in clothes they wear, in the products they use every single day, in their homes, in nature, so therefore revealing itself as one of the most important factors of the visual dimension, which interferes with the surroundings, from food, to health, as well as to mood and disposition and well-being. Just as colour, products are also present in the life of every human being, influencing their lives. From small objects, to electronic equipment, and essential consumer goods, consumer products are now an integral part of the individual. Given the intrinsic relationship of both colour and products to human life, it is irrefutable the extent that the two have in design, where the ultimate goal is to satisfy consumer needs. Although considered by many designers as a merely visual element with little influence among end users, colour has become a decisive factor not only at the time of consumer purchase decision but also later in the relationship between the user and the object – the visual appearance of products is a critical and decisive agent regarding consumer reaction and the subsequent success of the product. So, therefore, it becomes indispensable for the designer to create a basic understanding of the interdisciplinary chromatic factor and realize its relationship with the factors related to the design project, like the brand and its corporate and visual identities, marketing, packaging, consumer trends, the product itself, and of course, the consumer. Thus, the present dissertation aims to investigate the relationship of colour as an element of the design project, originating a guide to mentor the application and use of the complex factor colour in product and equipment desig