The role of colour designers in the design process

The purpose of this study is to offer an understanding and knowledge about the role of colour designers in the design process (particularly paint industry), and to discuss the required attributes and skills of colour designers in each stage of the design process. In order to achieve the goals of the research, a qualitative autoethnography was conducted based on five years of experience gained by one of the authors as a colour designer in paint companies. The experience was described in line with five-stages for a colour design framework based on the idea of general tendencies in the problem-solving process. This research provides a deeper understanding and knowledge about the work of colour designers in the practical design environment, as well as providing a clear colour design framework based on the practical activities of colour designers. The research is expected also to increase awareness of the roles of colour designers in our society. Increased awareness may lead designers to enter the colour design area and engage in colour design research.