NOTE: Not being a Microsoft employee / affiliated with / contracted by Microsoft - I can only speculate (and have no proof) about the origin of the new color schemes.
The software giant has packaged the world famous operating system and office suite in harmony with the colors you and I see everyday in the sky. Even though Windows Vista and Office 2007 just came out, I’m sure that you have seen the new colors MANY times before and Microsoft could be banking on this.
Windows Vista Colors
This color scheme is related to the evening time. About 30 minutes before all the sunlight is gone from the sky, look to the west and you will see the new famous blues and greens used in the new famous Vista wallpaper. If you are unsure what I am talking about visit the Vista section of Microsoft’s site and notice the background color scheme.
Vista’s product boxes are themed to match familiar colors as well. Vista Ultimate is black with rays of light – like the moon shining onto Earth. Vista Home Premium and Home Basic contain green colors similar to those of plants. Vista Business is blue like the ocean.
Office 2007 Colors
This color scheme is related to the morning time. The bright orange and yellows are identical to the colors of the sky as the sun is rising in the east. If you look at the new Office 2007 product boxes you’ll also notice a very bright spot with outward extending rays behind the Office logo – this is very similar to a shining sun.
Microsoft Color Scheme Meeting
Maybe the meeting went like this “Billboards are expensive and internet banner ads can be pricey - lets use the sky to broadcast our message to every human being on Earth 2 times a day! What is that worth in terms of advertising dollars?”
Coincidence or Evil Genius?
You don’t create a billion dollar company by choosing random colors. Are the new color schemes the work of a talented team of graphic designers OR a talented team of psychologists?
Microsoft knows we all see the same colors in the sky (whether you are in Bangkok or New York) and Microsoft knows very well that the more times you see a product (or its identifying colors) the more likely you are to buy it when you see it in stores – this is the basis for advertising.
Could it be that Microsoft has themed its products using the sky to promote its product to every human being on Earth? We will never know the true reason for the choice of colors, but if the color schemes were created in the way that I am suggesting - GOOD JOB MICROSOFT! If it wasn’t – Well, I do like the new colors Bill!
By: Ian Robert Anderson