Color connects Kansei: Color as a node for the cross modal perception

Abstract

The present paper suggests one of the approaches of cross modal studies by using the concept of color as a node for the perceptions of the senses. Color is consisting of physically stable structures of three dimensions, namely, hue, lightness and saturation. Thus color can be useful to classify other modalities, such as fragrances by their harmonious colors or to visualize the classification of fragrances by means of color. The data obtained from the experiments conducted were analyzed by factor analysis, and mainly two big factors were extracted; MILD and CLEAR. It indicated, to some extent, the harmony between a fragrance and a color based on the dimensions of fragrance impressions. The fMRI study also showed that the activation of OFC (orbitofrontal cortex) in harmonized combination indicated close relationship with the perception of rewarding stimuli.