Verification of Munsell’s Color Harmony Theory according to Different Stimuli Types

This study addresses the need to validate Munsell's color harmony theory, a widely utilized framework in color combination strategies. It aims to assess the effectiveness of Munsell's theory through evaluations of harmony and preference and to investigate the influence of contextual application on these evaluations. Three types of color combinations derived from Munsell's theory (monochromatic, analogous, and complementary) were compared to designer-proposed color combinations. Participants assessed the harmony and preference of these combinations using a 7-point Likert scale across three stimulus formats: color strips, 2D patterns, and 3D spatial stimuli. The mean scores of harmony and preference evaluations were statistically analyzed and compared. The perceived harmony of Munsell's color harmony theory varied by combination type. Monochromatic and analogous combinations were consistently rated as harmonious across all stimulus formats, while complementary combinations received negative evaluations. Furthermore, the type of stimulus influenced the perception of harmony, with notable variations in evaluations of the same color combinations across different stimulus formats. The findings indicate that not all aspects of Munsell's color harmony theory are universally perceived as harmonious, underscoring the need for caution when utilizing complementary color combinations. Additionally, the study highlights the significant role of application context in shaping evaluations of color combinations, advocating for the careful consideration of contextual factors in the color design.