Colorimetry in Fashion Design Education

The complexity and interdisciplinary nature of color knowledge has been advocated throughout history. Nevertheless, color science is an underexplored subject in higher education design programs. Colorimetry is the science focused on quantifying and physically describing human color perception. It provides systematic methods for color specification and communication, as well as evaluation of color difference and color reproduction. Colorimetry is widely used in the textile and fashion industry. Drawing on active learning methods, this research presents a set of three activities that demonstrate how colorimetry can be explored and integrated in higher education, to enhance both technical and creative skills of fashion design students. Additionally, the role of colorimetry in fashion design education is discussed under three main perspectives: the interdisciplinary integration, in line with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) educational approach; the alignment with technology innovation through the use of digital tools; and the contribution to sustainability in fashion, from the design conceptual phase to manufacturing. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the advancement of design education in the context of Education for Sustainable Development.