25% of the people have a 4th cone and see colors as they are ;p

Given the sudden interest for the color of dresses and vision, here some of the fascinating findings we did recently.

The color nuances we see depend on the number and distribution of cones (=color receptors) in our eye. You can check this rainbow: how many color nuances do you count?

You see less than 20 color nuances: you are a dichromat, like dogs, which means you have 2 types of cones only. You are likely to wear black, beige, and blue. 25% of the population is dichromat.

You see between 20 and 32 color nuances: you are a trichromat, you have 3 types of cones (in the purple/blue, green and red area). You enjoy different colors as you can appreciate them. 50% of the population is trichromat.

You see between 33 and 39 colors: you are a tetrachromat, like bees, and have 4 types of cones (in the purple/blue, green, red plus yellow area). You are irritated by yellow, so this color will be nowhere to be found in your wardrobe. 25% of the population is tetrachromat.

You see more than 39 color nuances: come on, you are making up things! there are only 39 different colors in the test, how come? In fact you respond more to contrast than to colors and that is why you count more than 39 :)

It is highly probable that people who have an additional 4th cone do not get tricked by blue/black or white/gold dresses, no matter the background light ;)

Sources: Diana Derval, The Right Sensory Mix: Targeting Consumer Product Development Scientifically, Springer 2010

www.derval-research.com

Important information about this post:

* the number and distribution of color cones can only be measured by a special device, therefore the categories proposed in this message are of course just indications.

* the shared percentages are as always an approximation as the only way to have accurate data would be to measure everyone

* the sources used are detailed in chapter 5 of my book and refer for instance to this published article http://link.springer.com/article/10.3758%2FBF03196159. The royalties of the book are donated to a foundation.

The objective of this post is to make people aware of the great variations in color perception among people supposed to have a similar and "normal vision" (trichromat).

Recent years we did many discoveries in sensory perception and thanks to all of you for sharing your feedback. We do not have all the answers yet but it is a fact that some people see much better colors and we will continue our research using your valuable input and keep you updated.