Analyzing color training in design education: A review from 2010 to 2022

Abstract

This study was part of a doctoral research project which looked into the current issues with color education, documented by several authors in recent years. It presents a comprehensive analysis of 103 color courses taught within design programs of higher education institutions from different countries over the last 12 years, 2010–2022. The analysis aimed to define the state-of-the-art of including color training within higher education design programs, identify the main didactic strategies implemented, and recognize the main critical aspects to face when proposing an innovative framework for color training. Among the formal aspects analyzed are the course level, the course duration, the student entry profile, the specific disciplinary area, the course location, the type of institution, and the language of the course. The didactic strategy elements analyzed were the learning outcomes, the contents proposed by the course, the teaching strategies implemented, and the suggested bibliography. Finally, a description of the main findings of the analysis is provided to assess how color is being taught within the design area.