Initial research

Traditional Colour Theory 
Leonardo da Vinci's Theory of Colour etc.
Traditional colour theory in art and design

Neuroscience + Psychology
How the human brain perceives colour (and how other animals see the world?) and how it has evolved over time/why it has evolved. 

Colour in Culture and Society 
How different cultures perceive colour, and the positive and negative connotations of different colours. Difference between biological universalities and cultural nuances.  

And how it all has an impact on design for interfaces
Visual hierarchy, usability, identity conformation, material skeuomorphism 

COP3 Question Justification

'What role can colour play in user experience design?' is a question that allows me to explore a highly practical design subject matter whilst also taking into account broader theories of biology, sociology and neuroscience i.e. anthropological reasoning behind our inherent like or dislike of colours and how that varies between cultures. It will be incredibly helpful to learn of the ways colour is and can be used in user interface design to shape usability, delight, and identity. A distinction is made between 'is' and 'can' because it's likely that colour is being under-utilised in all but the strongest UI design.

The question represents user experience design rather than user interface design because although the holder of colour would be the interface itself, it is the experience of the user which is at concern. The lines between the two disciplines are often blurred. 

COP Presentation - The use of colour in UI

Initial COP idea

An exploration into ethics in graphic design didn't properly apply to my interests. My main personal interests are in future transport, space exploration, renewable energy and creating a more exciting future. 

Potential questions could be 'What role does design play in creating a more exciting future?' or a more focused 'What role does experience design play in creating a more exciting future?'

A selection of slides from my initial COP presentation 

Though the question of a more exciting, design-led future allows for an in-depth analysis of modern and ancient philosophy and biology/neuroscience, it is too broad a question to be worth fitting into 5000 words. It would also be of greater personal benefit to me if the question was focused inherently on an aspect of user interface design.