💀 The world is getting less colorful

Today's OneChart

If you feel like the world seems increasingly colorless, you're not just imagining it.

According to a study published by the Science Museum Group Digital Lab, neutral and grayscale shades increasingly make up a larger share of all objects.

The research used Computer Vision to examine more than 7,000 photographs of objects from 21 categories of everyday objects over time.

More than one-third of all man-made objects appear grayish these days.

One of the most prevalent product categories, where this trend can be witnessed firsthand, is cars.

The same appears to be true for other categories, such as interior design, clothing, and household products.

Why is this happening?

The loss of colorful items around the home and in workspaces, in favor of objects covered in drabber shades of black and white, is an interesting trend.

Spunky colors, such as red and yellow, once popular in objects designed during the Victorian era have nearly gone extinct. The interior decorations of today are a far cry from those of the past.

Why is this the case?

As Sleeman, the author of the Science Museum study, notes, the palette shift we see in our artificial environments today is due largely to:

• The rise of plastic and the subsequent decline of wood, leather, and other natural materials.
• As well, aesthetic choices have trended towards neutral colors for reasons perhaps unknown.

The second point is particularly interesting.

Why is it that we are avoiding colorful clothing and what does this say about people today?

It could be that we want to stand out less in a crowd.

In more individualist societies, it might make people feel more comfortable and help them fit in and not draw attention to themselves.

Or perhaps, it is compensation for all of the noise that constantly surrounds us?!

How to leverage this trend?

In my opinion, whether you're a business owner, artist, or creator, there's a clear takeaway here. Regardless of the underlying reasons for this trend, it is reminiscent of the world we live in.

As Inc. Magazine puts it: “The world really is too gray, predictable, and frictionless. This creates a huge pent-up demand for the personal, surprising, and even downright odd.“

Is it possible that were you to spice things up and add a little more color to your life, you might find that a bold approach to living results in more success?

As they say, the greater the risk, the greater the payoff!

Let's get out and make the world a bit more colorful today!