Colour management is a socio-technical problem

Abstract

This paper describes how achieving consistent colour reproduction across different devices is a complicated matter. Although there is a technological infrastructure for managing colour across devices this is very rarely used as intended. This infrastructure has been created by modelling the problem of colour management as a wholly technical one. In this paper we illustrate the importance of understanding the management of colour as a sociotechnical problem, by describing the findings of a multisited ethnography of designers and print shops. Our analysis of the ethnography reveals that designers build up practical, tangible, visual understandings of colour and that these do not fit with the current solution, which requires users to deal with colour in an abstract manner. This paper builds on previous research in CSCW which has considered the importance of socio-technical systems, bringing the work into a previously unexplored domain. It shows how an understanding of the social can also be central when designing technical infrastructures.

Color Portraits

“…For example, data visualization researchers use computer-aided color-coding to represent and interact with their data [11] or to map data along color dimensions to create a pictorial representation [3]. The print industry defines standard color references, such as the PMS Pantone Matching System, according to specific ink formuli or a CMYK mix [22], with corresponding reference guides for various print devices and substrates.…”

Creative practices in the design studio culture: collaboration and communication

“…The analysis of Jacucci and Wagner (2007) shows that materiality supports intuitive and simultaneous manipulation, mobilizing our tacit knowledge and enabling participation. Focusing on the work practices of graphics designers, O'Neill et al (2008) ethnographic results revealed that designers build up practical, tangible, visual understandings of colour and suggested such an understanding of colour schemes is not supported by the current technologies. They claimed that current technologies required designers to deal with colour in an abstract manner.…”

“…However, as the studies on design practices showed (Jacucci and Wagner 2007;O'Neill et al 2008), work in design studios goes well beyond productivity measures. Designers involve in several experiential and aesthetical processes such as exploring and playing their materials and design artefacts, communicating empathy of their field visits to colleagues and immerse themselves into participatory and role-playing methods, amongst a large set of other activities.…”

The role of gamut, intuition and engagement in colour management in a design context

“…Even the expertise required to implement ICC‐based colour management is typically challenging for artists and designers who are not experts in colour science and/or digital technology . Lack of CAD expertise in the areas of colour control is still shown to be a barrier to the successful adoption of design technology amongst small entrepreneurial design businesses .…”