Case Study: Fluorescent Color Impact

Key findings on fluorescent colors

Overall, the survey reveals that fluorescent colors will likely have staying power this time around.

• The survey says 75% of consumers indicated they are more likely to pay attention to posters and signage that feature fluorescent colors
• More than 90% of consumers said they are very likely or somewhat likely to remember posters and signage printed in fluorescent colors
• Over two-thirds of respondents agree that fluorescent colors are making a comeback

“There’s no denying those fluorescent colors that dominated in the 1980s and 1990s are resurging,” says Sam Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager of Canon U.S.A. “Fluorescent seems to be everywhere now, and it’s compelling businesses, designers, and artists to reimagine their color palette and consider all the imaginative possibilities that come along with it.”

Other insights from “Canon’s Fluorescent Color Impact Study”

• 31% of consumers believe fluorescent pink is the most iconic color in art and culture, and the most personally engaging of the fluorescent colors
• Fluorescent colors pop in digital and print, which explains why 55% of consumers said they would like to buy a printer that uses fluorescent ink
• When consumers see fluorescent colors most feel happy (64.5%) and excited (47%)
• Out of all the private sectors, including technology, retail, media, sports, and travel/hospitality, the fashion domain was surprisingly taken over by the world of entertainment as the industry consumers most associate with fluorescent colors

“Fluorescent colors transcend industry and form,” says Tim Greene, research director of International Data Corporation (IDC). “More often than not, they capture the audience’s attention and engage consumers in new and compelling ways.”

Note: The study’s findings are based on a national survey of 1,000 U.S. citizens conducted in March 2022.