Digital Centralised Colour Communication - Term Paper Example

Digital Centralised Colour Communication Digital Centralised Colour Communication Introduction Color is a vital aspect of product design; it forms a stage during the process of product design. This is owed to the reason that color commands a significant percentage of the buying decision of a customer. This is the case with almost all customers of a product. Color evokes a series of emotions in a customer which culminate in the purchasing of the respective product. If color scheme is effectively done in the manufacturing process and eventually the marketing phase, the consumer will embrace the notion of added value in the product. The designer’s ideas are the starting point of color work flow followed closely by the color specifications of the customer. Body Color specification is a blend of color communication and color measurement. Color measurement is a field defined as colorimetry. The measurement of color cannot be left at the mercy of the human eye. This stems from the fact that human vision is subject to a variety of factors, key of which is the angle of light, sample size and illumination. As such, different persons will observe the same color differently. To ensure consistency and repeatability, standardized conditions should be established. Colorimetric instruments are tasked with the setting of these standardized conditions. Color measurement is based on the three primary colors from which all other colors derive their origin; these are red green and blue. The human eye has three receptors specifically for these three primary colors. Thus, color measurement software denotes these three colors as X, Y and Z. Hence, color is measured by the registered value of these three components. The internationally accepted standard for color specification was developed in France and is known as the CIE system. The combined processes of display and the printing process can culminate in the production of a variety of different colors, much to the distaste of the client. However, when this reproduction occurs it is of, crucial importance to specify colors. The specification of colors in this regard is divided into color models, color samples and color measurements. Color models refer to the system used in the quantification according to classes of individual colors. In the process of the specification, it is paramount to quantify and control colors. This aids the user to register slight shifts between any two colors. In an apparel supply chain, the probable use of color will be for printing purposes. As such, an analysis of the color printing specifications should be made. While specifying color for printing, there are two main modes suitable, these are process color and spot color. Process colors are a combination of four secondary colors. These four are cyan, magenta and black, which are denoted as CMYK, where K symbolizes key. When defining color specification, the approach to chose is that it is the description of colors. However, this description varies in accuracy depending on the situation and circumstance at hand. Thus, the color specification of a sample material is bound to be different if it is not observed in the same scenario or an almost identical situation. Initially, the colors of objects were given specific names; this method though still in use is limited accuracy. Thus, this reasoning forms the basis for development of other methods of identification and specification of color. While specifying spot colors, sets of saturated and intense base colors are applied. As such, these are typically used when advertising or packaging a brand; that is in situations where the precise identification of the brand and its logo is critical. In certain situations, manufacturers opt to use these colors in combination with process colors. One key element of spot colors is that they are naturally opaque. Subsequently, any kind of overprint should be strictly avoided. Certain situations arise whereby, the color a customer requires in not listed in the standard system. When in this situation, it is advisable to select the CMYK or PANTONE that is nearest to the required color. If better yet, a physical sample of the requested color is available, then the CIELAB can be taken from the sample. These coordinates can then evaluate, and the resultant information obtained can be used to determine the closest CMYK that suits the customer. When the printing is complete, the color must be compared against the original color requested by the client or the original design. This can be undertaken by either observational means or the use of color measuring instruments. Observational means are dependable only when the variations in lighting conditions are checked. Thus, when comparing the color between two samples, the conditions of observation should be made as uniform as humanly possible. This entails similarity between the lighting conditions and backgrounds. When attempting to describe the differences between colors, some specific color models are highly dependable. These color models are usually device independent; these models are exemplified by CIELAB and HSL amongst other various models. Hue is an element of color that is used to describe colors. Varying degrees of hue result into different colors. The hues of spot colors can only be altered by thoroughly remixing the relevant inks. However, when dealing with process colors, changes in hue can only be achieved by changing the separations of the relevant colors. In the apparel industry, various units of production must resemble the original sample. Thus, the customer’s specification should be met with regards to all units that have been produced. As such, the customer’s preference should be matched with colors whose specifications are known. Visual measurement methods that are applicable in the apparel industry are methods of comparison of color samples. The color required is compared to colors whose specifications are known. The exercise is complete when a color that is nearest to the color required is found. When attempting to handle cases where the exact colors are required, it is advisable to use the appropriate instruments rather than depend on observational techniques. Failure to adhere to this guideline, there is a significant risk that these exact color specifications will probably not be met. However, to quantify the exact difference between any two colors, a measured value should be used as a reference point. In the confines of quality control, the quantification of color difference is the standard approach to adopt. When engaging in measuring color using instruments the exercise comprises of the analysis and color description either directly or indirectly. In the direct sense, colorimeters are used. In the indirect sense, data based spectrophotometer measurements are used. Instrument measurements; be it direct or indirect is hinged on physical stimulus, the electromagnetic radiation, which is subsequently based on the CIE color system. Spectrophotometry is concerned with the determination of the manner in which the total beam of light is divided into relative wavelengths it contains. By the use of prisms, lenses and mirrors, wave length by wavelength is directed into the object. The ray reflected from the object is then compared with the ray reflected from the seemingly perfect objet. The difference in the respective reflectance is measured and recorded. Frequently, this recorded difference is viewed as a curve. When this curve is translated it gives rise to colorimetric terms like CIE. When engaging in color measurement, one must record and document the position of measurement for the sole purpose of future references. Different situations require different levels of accuracy and use of different methods; thus, the actual cause of color measuring should be taken in consideration. However, the communication of color standards in supply chains has been one of the major hassles of the textile industry. Color communication may involve the use of electronic images, paper print outs or the traditional fabric swatches. Since the printing and later dying of the apparels takes place long distance from anyone who has assumed a position in the choice of color, the lab-dips are usually repeated for a number of times, for the perfect color to be achieved. An additional concern in the textile industry is ensuring the continuity of the relevant color with continuous production batches. It is thus of utmost importance that there exists a unique system which will harmonize the color requirements of the product designer, color managers and finally the product developers. Color communication software ensures that no discrepancy will occur throughout the supply chain process. Additionally, the software produces distinct colors that are harmonized thought the whole system. In the apparel supply chain, a significant drawback is communication. The main issues of concern under this theme entail decision making, specification procedure, making adjustments and understanding the overall process. It is because of these problems that firms result to color communication software. These advanced color communication software, specifically color matching software allows users to be able to describe with a certain degree of accuracy and quality the color they desire. Once the color standard has been determined and approved, the Lab-dip needs to be reproduced by the textile mills. This is done with strict adherence to the obtained sample that has been specified and measured. The key factor on whether or not production will be sustainable is hinged on relevant dyes and subsequent processes. Conclusion The color of a product has been known to evoke some emotion in a customer by attracting them to the product. It leads to an increase in registered sale of the respective product. This explains why companies are investing heavily in color systems. Meeting the color specifications of product designers is not an easy feat. This arises from the fact that different colors may appear differently in different situations to different people. Thus, this is the reason behind the development of different color measurement methods. However, these methods can become null and avoid in the presence of poor color communication methods or otherwise the complete lack thereof. The color specification of a product can be met only, and only if, there exists an efficient color measurement and communication system. Thus, the quality of color specification is hinged on the quality of color measurement and communication between the concerned parties. References BERNS, RS., 2000, Billmeyer and Saltzman’s Principles of Color Technology, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 0-471-19459-X. Fairchild, M. D. 2005. Color appearance models. Chichester, West Sussex, England: J. Wiley. McDONALD, R., 1997, Colour Physics for Industry, 2nd Edition, Society of Dyers and Colourists, Staples printers Rochester Ltd, 0-901956-70-8. OWENS HC, 2012, See Slide 36 Lecture 2, Smart Colouration and Finishing. Read More