Adobe Study Reveals Color Trends Shape Brand Perception

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Synopsis

Adobe Express unveils a fascinating report on how color trends shape brand perception and influence buying decisions—a must-know for marketers and brand builders.

Key takeaways

• Color is one of the first elements consumers notice in branding, impacting both trust and loyalty.
• Over half of Gen Z and millennials admit to choosing brands based solely on color.
• Consistent color usage can keep customers loyal, while changes might alienate them.
• Blue remains the most trusted brand color, triggering impulse buys and emotional connections.

How does color impact brand perception and loyalty?

A new study from Adobe Express reveals that color is far from a simple design choice—it’s the first thing many people notice about a brand, and it can stir deep emotions and buying behavior. 

In their research, Adobe surveyed 1,000 US consumers to understand how color choices impact trust, loyalty, and even impulse shopping.

The report found that while logos are the first thing 34% of people notice, color is a close second, catching the eye of 16%. 

The visual impact of color theory is so powerful that half of all consumers admit to choosing one brand over another based solely on color, with Gen Z and millennials (51%) leading the way.

Why blue still reigns supreme?

Adobe’s data shows that blue is the most trusted brand color, with 54% of consumers placing their faith in it. Black color follows at 44%, cementing its role as an ‘Authentic’ choice. 

But trust isn’t the only thing on the line. When it comes to impulse buys, blue color also tops the charts (31%), followed closely by black (28%), gold (27%), red (26%), and silver (26%). 

These insights suggest that getting the color right doesn’t just make your brand look good—it can boost your bottom line.

Consistency in color matters

Beyond first impressions, color consistency is crucial for long-term loyalty. One in three consumers say they’re more likely to stick with brands that don’t change their colors, while 12% have stopped shopping with brands after a sudden color shift. 

Another 18% admitted feeling emotionally disconnected when a brand changed its color scheme, highlighting just how deeply colors are tied to brand identity.

The role of AI in shaping future color trends

The report also examines how AI-assisted design tools are anticipated to impact color trends in the years to come. With AI, brands can experiment with palettes and test what resonates without major design overhauls. 

This opens up new avenues for creativity and fine-tuning, especially as brands strive to make colors work harder in connecting with consumers and driving loyalty.

Adobe Express’ findings underscore a fundamental truth: color isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s a powerful tool that shapes perception, trust, and buying decisions. The science of color can’t be ignored. 

Brands that want to stand out must be intentional and consistent with their color choices to build emotional connections and keep customers coming back.

You can dive deeper into the full Adobe Express report to see how these insights—and the rise of AI-assisted design—will shape the future of branding.