Color Transforms: Traffic Light

There are a lot of designs that stir up conversation in society with the use of words and visual text within the design. Most of these designs use text to directly communicate with the minds of individuals, allowing our brains to interpet the words we see into meaning. On an eight-sided stop sign, we would look at the four letters that make up the word "STOP" and interpret the visual aspect of the word into a meaning that makes us cease movement.

However, design in society cannot always communicate with us through the use of text and type. Most designs communicate with us my means of other visual aspects, such as color. Take, for example, the tri-colored traffic signal. 

(Image taken from http://www.deviantart.com, by username "monsterlienchen")

The traffic light signal found in most traffic intersections is a mere box that shines three lights at upcoming vehicles. However, with the use of color, the design of the traffic light signal is transformed into an object that communicates meaning to all vehicle drivers. The three colors used - red, yellow, and green - are are used to inform drivers when to stop, slow down, and go - respectively. 

But what about these colors helps the traffic light signals communicate these meanings to the drivers? Red implies alertness, stimulating the mind and increasing circulation in the body, which allows drivers to be attentive and step on their breaks in time. With the bright red light standing out in the middle of the dull-colored surroundings of the street, drivers are able to notice the traffic signal even more. Yellow implies caution, stimulating the driver's nerves. Because yellow is the first color that the eye notices, it gives drivers a signal to slow down, even when the driver is hundreds of feet away from the traffic signal. Green implies growth and acceleration. Being the complementary color of red, green relieves the stress and tension that is given off by the red stop light. 

The traffic light signal could have been designed differently, having it use text saying "STOP," "SLOW, and "GO" to communicate with the drivers of society. However, with the use of color, the traffic light signal is transformed into a simpler and more effective design that communicates the same information to society.