Chapter 1: Discovering the Power of Color

It was a typical day as I lounged on the couch, idly chewing on a pen while engrossed in Douglas Adams' classic, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. As I stumbled upon a particularly brilliant passage, I felt compelled to highlight it. That moment marked a turning point in my reading habits.

Years have passed since then, and I now never approach a book, even in fiction, without a highlighter close at hand. The role of color in sensory perception and short-term memory is remarkable.

To put it simply, color commands attention. It not only sparks creative thought but also aids the brain in making connections related to location, significance, and layout within the text.

Research indicates that:

• Effective color application can enhance attention spans by as much as 82%.
• Understanding improves by 70%, while recall increases by 60%.
• Learning and retention are boosted by over 75%.

Despite these findings, my parents remained silent (likely unaware), and my friends, teachers, and university professors never mentioned this technique. My books, once pristine, now sport vivid splashes of pink, green, yellow, and orange, marked with notes and comments in the margins.

When I revisit a book, I reinforce my learning by reviewing the highlighted sections. This method has been shown to enhance recall significantly. If I need to refer back to something weeks, months, or even years later, I can pinpoint the relevant section much more efficiently.

Research into memory has unveiled various strategies for successful retrieval. Color plays a vital role in this process, greatly influencing our memory capabilities. It enhances our ability to encode, store, and retrieve information from our surroundings.

The bottom line is that there are numerous evidence-based techniques available that can help us learn more effectively and efficiently. Utilizing color is just one simple yet powerful example of best practices for enhancing memory.

About the Author

In a remarkable twist, Malky inadvertently contributed to a reduction in Scotland's average alcohol consumption simply by vacationing abroad.

You can explore more about this insightful journey on Medium—read, learn, write, and earn.

Chapter 2: Video Insights on Color and Memory

This video, How Color Affects A Person's Memory, delves into the psychological impact of color on memory retention and cognitive processes.

In this engaging clip titled 6 Surprising Ways Color Impacts Your Brain and Decision-Making, discover unexpected ways color influences our daily choices and mental functions.