Color, transcending its aesthetic appeal, has been a significant factor in shaping economic landscapes throughout human history, influencing trade, manufacturing, and cultural expression. This study explores the complex economic implications of color, tracing its influence from ancient civilizations to the present day, and its persistent relevance across diverse industries. The exploitation of color dates back to prehistoric times, with the use of natural pigments from minerals, plants, and animals for artistic and personal decoration. As societies advanced, the need for vivid and long-lasting colorants grew, leading to the evolution of more refined extraction and synthesis methods. The emergence of textile manufacturing during the medieval and early modern periods amplified the economic importance of color. The need for bright, fade-resistant dyes led to the expansion of dyeing centers and specialized guilds. The introduction of new dyestuffs, such as cochineal from the Americas and indigo from India, disrupted traditional trade routes and triggered economic changes. In the contemporary era, the economic implications of color extend beyond textiles to various sectors, including printing, painting, cosmetics, and food industries. The quest for environmentally friendly and sustainable colorants has become a significant economic catalyst, responding to increasing environmental concerns and consumer demands, spurring innovation, and opening new economic avenues. The study investigates the predictability of color's economic value, emphasizing the relative stability stemming from the fundamental human attraction to color and its psychological influence on consumer behavior, while recognizing the unpredictability introduced by disruptive forces, technological advancements, and evolving societal norms. It also scrutinizes the potential constraints of historical studies, such as cultural biases, quantification challenges, and the rapidly changing modern landscape. The study introduces mathematical models that strive to quantify the economic value of color, factoring in aspects like consumer preferences, target market size, product pricing, color differentiation, and brand value. These models aim to offer approximate estimates and insights into the potential economic impact of color choices in various product and market scenarios.

The Enduring Economic Value of Color: Tracing its Multifaceted Impact Across Eras and Industries

Alessandro Bortolotti
;
Riccardo Palumbo
2024-01-01

Abstract

Color, transcending its aesthetic appeal, has been a significant factor in shaping economic landscapes throughout human history, influencing trade, manufacturing, and cultural expression. This study explores the complex economic implications of color, tracing its influence from ancient civilizations to the present day, and its persistent relevance across diverse industries. The exploitation of color dates back to prehistoric times, with the use of natural pigments from minerals, plants, and animals for artistic and personal decoration. As societies advanced, the need for vivid and long-lasting colorants grew, leading to the evolution of more refined extraction and synthesis methods. The emergence of textile manufacturing during the medieval and early modern periods amplified the economic importance of color. The need for bright, fade-resistant dyes led to the expansion of dyeing centers and specialized guilds. The introduction of new dyestuffs, such as cochineal from the Americas and indigo from India, disrupted traditional trade routes and triggered economic changes. In the contemporary era, the economic implications of color extend beyond textiles to various sectors, including printing, painting, cosmetics, and food industries. The quest for environmentally friendly and sustainable colorants has become a significant economic catalyst, responding to increasing environmental concerns and consumer demands, spurring innovation, and opening new economic avenues. The study investigates the predictability of color's economic value, emphasizing the relative stability stemming from the fundamental human attraction to color and its psychological influence on consumer behavior, while recognizing the unpredictability introduced by disruptive forces, technological advancements, and evolving societal norms. It also scrutinizes the potential constraints of historical studies, such as cultural biases, quantification challenges, and the rapidly changing modern landscape. The study introduces mathematical models that strive to quantify the economic value of color, factoring in aspects like consumer preferences, target market size, product pricing, color differentiation, and brand value. These models aim to offer approximate estimates and insights into the potential economic impact of color choices in various product and market scenarios.
2024
978-88-99513-23-8
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11564/847239
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