Cultural colour research across eleven Asian countries
Elephant Design documented cultural colour significance through in-depth field research, delivering comprehensive cross-continental insights.
20+ Design leaders
Collaborated across Asia
Cross-cultural symbolism analysis
Local resident interviews
Historical artifact examination
Design education workshop facilitation
Continental Kaleidoscope
The Colours of Asia project emerged from Design Alliance Asia's vision to document the rich cultural diversity of colours across the continent. Recognizing that Asia represents not a homogeneous entity but a kaleidoscope of distinct cultures, philosophies, and aesthetics, the initiative sought to explore how colours carry profound meaning beyond visual appeal. The project addressed the challenge of capturing authentic cultural insights across eleven countries, examining how colours embody tradition, technique, and territory within each unique cultural context. 
Visual Cultural Heritage
The project aspired to create a comprehensive cultural archive revealing how colour shapes identity across Asian cultures. This vision was implemented through extensive fieldwork documenting local insights from people, significant places, cultural events, stories, and artifacts. The research culminated in tangible outcomes including a published book, research papers, and a Hong Kong exhibition. The project's unique value emerged in its educational dimension, with workshops and presentations sharing findings with students, educators, and design professionals, elevating understanding of how culture fundamentally shapes visual language. A Living Colour Archive
The research team conducted immersive cultural investigations across eleven Asian countries, from India's symbolic yellows and reds to Japan's muted, subtle palettes. Through interviews, observation, and artifact analysis, we documented how colours embody not just visual preferences but cultural worldviews, traditions, and spiritual beliefs. 
Diversity bonded by Colour
As Design Alliance Asia members, we co-created a research project exploring colour meaning across eleven Asian countries. The initiative documented cultural significance of colours through fieldwork, resulting in published research, exhibitions, and educational workshops. 
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