For the past two weeks I have been deep in the world of color while designing the visual language for my new project. After reading far too many research papers and staring at color palettes like they were a personality test, I’ve come to the conclusion that color is far more powerful than we give it credit for. Think back to childhood when someone asked your favorite color. Some of us chose one and never changed it, while others quietly evolved from purple to teal to something far more sophisticated as we grew up. What I’ve learned is that those preferences are not random—color subtly shapes how we feel, how long we stay somewhere, and even how our brains process information.

Once you start paying attention, you realize that most of the technology we use every day is essentially a giant display for color. Phones, televisions, laptops, even refrigerators now advertise their newest feature as “better resolution.” What that really means is sharper pixels and richer color depth. Modern displays can show tens of millions of color variations, and high-resolution screens allow the brain to process images faster and with less strain. In other words, the clearer and more vibrant the image, the easier it is for our brains to stay engaged—which, conveniently, keeps us staring at the screen a little longer.

That is not an accident. Many of the most addictive apps in the world rely on a very predictable palette: blue, black, white, and red. Blue signals trust and security, red grabs attention and urgency, and the clean neutral backgrounds make everything feel modern and reliable. These colors were chosen very intentionally because they hold attention well on digital screens. As technology improves—with sharper displays and more vivid color ranges—the emotional impact of those colors becomes even stronger.

So when I began choosing colors for the project, I asked a slightly rebellious question: what colors might encourage calm rather than addiction? That question led me to softer tones, especially blush and dusty rose. Muted pinks are often associated with nurturing, warmth, and emotional comfort. Research has shown that softer pink tones can lower heart rate and create a sense of gentleness. The trick, however, is subtlety—bright, neon pink can be stimulating, but soft pink feels more like a deep breath.

The most fascinating discovery of all is that pink doesn’t technically exist as a single wavelength of light. It’s what scientists call a “non-spectral color,” meaning our brains create it when they see a mixture of red and violet light. In other words, pink is a color our minds invented to make sense of the world. I find that oddly beautiful. Nature even uses pink pigments to protect plants when they’re under stress—something that made me smile, because if there is anyone who understands stress, it is mothers. So today, look around you. Notice the colors on your phone, in your home, in your children’s toys. They may be shaping your mood more than you realize. And if you see a little pink somewhere along the way, perhaps it’s just your brain reminding you to slow down. 🌸