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Tim Mouw
The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance is an interactive online course, where you will gain a solid foundation in color and appearance science. From the physics of color to lighting, spectrophotometers and color data, you will learn how to measure, view, and communicate color. This class is designed for all industries and individuals who are quality control and assurance professionals, lab technicians, parts suppliers, manufacturing specifiers, designers and anyone who evaluates or approves color.
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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes the practical aspects of color appearance evaluation used commonly by professionals in the field
Covers the physics of color, lighting, spectrophotometers, and color data
Teaches how to measure, view, and communicate color
Applicable to individuals in quality control and assurance, lab technicians, parts suppliers, manufacturing specifiers, designers, and anyone who evaluates or approves color
Provides a solid foundation in color and appearance science
Interactive online course with potential for hands-on learning

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Color and Appearance with these activities:
Follow tutorials on color theory
Color theory is the foundation of color science, and following tutorials will help you understand the basics of color mixing, color harmonies, and color psychology.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on color theory
  • Watch the tutorials
  • Complete the exercises
Practice using a spectrophotometer
Using a spectrophotometer is a fundamental skill in color science, so practicing will help you become more proficient in using this equipment.
Show steps
  • Find a spectrophotometer
  • Calibrate the spectrophotometer
  • Measure the absorbance and transmittance of different samples
Read Sensors and Signal Conditioning
Sensors and Signal Conditioning provides a comprehensive overview of sensors and signal conditioning techniques, which are essential for understanding color measurement systems.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on sensors and signal conditioning
  • Review the examples and exercises
  • Complete the practice problems
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Solve spectrophotometer measurement problems
Practice using spectrophotometers to measure the absorption and transmittance of light through different materials, which is a fundamental skill in color science.
Show steps
  • Read the spectrophotometer manual
  • Calibrate the spectrophotometer
  • Prepare samples of different materials
  • Measure the absorbance and transmittance of each sample
  • Analyze the data and interpret the results
Join a study group
Discussing the course material with peers can help you understand the concepts more deeply and identify areas where you need more support.
Show steps
  • Find a study group
  • Meet with the group regularly
  • Discuss the course material
  • Help each other with homework and assignments
Create a color calibration tool
Creating a color calibration tool will help you understand the principles of color measurement and calibration, which is a crucial skill in color science.
Show steps
  • Test the tool
  • Document the tool
  • Develop the software
  • Design the tool
Create a portfolio of your color science work
Creating a portfolio will help you showcase your skills and knowledge in color science.
Show steps
  • Collect your best work in color science
  • Create a website or online portfolio
  • Upload your work to your portfolio

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Color and Appearance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Color Scientist
Color Scientists study the physics of color, as well as lighting and spectrophotometers. They use this knowledge to develop and improve color measurement, viewing, and communication methods. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Color Scientists build a strong foundation in these areas. This course will also help them to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in color science.
Color Measurement Technician
Color Measurement Technicians use spectrophotometers to measure and analyze the color of objects. They use this information to ensure that products meet quality standards. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Color Measurement Technicians to understand the principles of color measurement and to use spectrophotometers effectively.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors ensure that products meet quality standards. They may inspect products for defects, such as incorrect color. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Quality Control Inspectors to understand the importance of color quality and to develop the skills needed to inspect products for color defects.
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers create and develop clothing and accessories. They use color to create garments that are both fashionable and functional. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Fashion Designers to understand the principles of color design and to use color effectively in their work.
Textile Designer
Textile Designers create and develop fabrics and other textiles. They use color to create textiles that are both visually appealing and functional. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Textile Designers to understand the principles of color design and to use color effectively in their work.
Graphic designer
Graphic Designers create visual content for a variety of purposes, such as advertising, marketing, and web design. They use color to create visually appealing and effective designs. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Graphic Designers to understand the principles of color design and to use color effectively in their work.
Interior designer
Interior Designers create and develop interior spaces. They use color to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Interior Designers to understand the principles of color design and to use color effectively in their work.
Product Designer
Product Designers create and develop new products. They may use color to make products more appealing to consumers. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Product Designers to understand the principles of color design and to use color effectively in their work.
Videographer
Videographers use light and sound to create videos. They may use color to create videos that are both visually appealing and informative. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Videographers to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Makeup Artist
Makeup Artists use makeup to create a variety of looks. They may use color to create looks that are both natural and glamorous. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Makeup Artists to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Hairstylist
Hairstylists use hair products and tools to create a variety of hairstyles. They may use color to create hairstyles that are both stylish and flattering. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Hairstylists to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists provide a variety of beauty services, including hair styling, makeup application, and skin care. They may use color to create looks that are both natural and glamorous. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Cosmetologists to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Photographer
Photographers use light to create images. They may use color to create images that are both visually appealing and informative. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Photographers to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Aesthetician
Aestheticians provide skin care treatments. They may use color to create a variety of looks, including natural and glamorous. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Aestheticians to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.
Manicurist
Manicurists provide nail care services. They may use color to create a variety of nail designs. The Fundamentals of Color and Appearance course can help Manicurists to understand the principles of color and to use color effectively in their work.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Color and Appearance.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of light and color, covering topics such as the wave nature of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the interaction of light with matter.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of color perception, covering topics such as the physiology of vision, color theories, and color appearance.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the measurement of color, covering topics such as colorimeters, spectrophotometers, and color difference measurement.
Is written to provide a tutorial on the CIE color system. It provides an excellent grounding in the principles of colorimetry.

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