99% Invisible

Full Spectrum

Aug 31, 2021

In this engaging discussion, Adam Rogers, a science writer for Wired and author of 'Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern', unpacks the infamous viral dress that sparked a global color debate. He delves into why we perceive colors differently, exploring the psychology and science behind our visual experiences. The conversation traverses historical milestones, such as the architectural marvels of the 1893 World's Fair, and the evolution of the color wheel, revealing how color influences culture and identity.

32:12

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Episode guests

Adam Rogers

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Color Debate: Perception and Reality

13min

The White City: Color and Culture at the 1893 Exposition

12min

The Fundamental Science of Color

2min

The Origins of the Color Wheel

6min

Exploring the Spectrum of Color and Listener Engagement

2min

In 2015 the world was divided into two warring factions overnight. And at the center of this schism was a single photograph. Cecilia Bleasdale took a picture of a dress that she planned to wear to her daughter's wedding and that photo went beyond viral. Some saw it as blue with black trim; others as white with gold trim. For his part, Wired science writer Adam Rogers knew there was more to the story -- a reason different people looking at the same object could come to such radically divergent conclusions about something as simple as color.

Rogers recently wrote a book titled Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern. In this episode, Roman Mars talks with the author about how the pursuit to organize, understand, and create colors has been one of the driving forces shaping human history, starting with the story of this hotly debated piece of apparel from 2015 then winding back through built environments of global World's Fairs.

Full Spectrum

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