In order to appreciate the value of colour coding, it is necessary to understand why colour coding works.
When we colour code files, we take advantage of the ability everyone has to store images and recall them instantly whenever they are needed.
We all use this ability everyday of our lives, without any conscious thought or effort.
That’s how we get to work, how we find McDonald’s, Esso, and many other locations … we recognise the logo.
Shoppers in supermarkets select groceries by the size, shape, and colour of the packaged products and location on the shelf.
Items are selected by appearance. For example, Heinz baked beans can be easily distinguished on the shelf by the turquoise tin.
Surveys on shoppers indicate that, in spite of the lower price of generic products, sales are low because it is too much trouble to find items needed. Imagine how long it would take to shop if everything was wrapped in the same plain paper, and the only difference was a small white label with the name of the product typed on it, as the print on this page.
We apply the same principles to filing systems when we colour code the files.
Please go to LabelsAnywhere to learn more about label design.