There’s not a single part of your Ford that hasn’t been researched and then researched and then researched more before going in the final design of the vehicle. That even applies to colors, like interior lighting. But if your house is lit by basically one color – white bulbs – why can’t your vehicle’s interior lights and ambiance be the same way?

It’s because lights, graphics and displays are a crucial part of the driving experience, and curiously enough, the brain doesn’t see color; it recognizes light. So, take the new Ford Fusion: The ice blue color in the accent lighting is a shade that helps keep drivers and passengers more alert. Explains Mahendra Dassanayake, Ford Technical Leader for Design, “If you have a correct level of blue light these field lends trigger a well-known enzyme called melatonin. That keeps you alert and aware of your situation and driving situation.”

Certain levels or combinations of light trigger enzymes in the brain. Those enzymes cause emotional responses within the body – states we recognize as stress or calmness or happiness. Therefore, it’s not your imagination – color can affect how you feel. In fact, it affects everything from your buying choices to your blood pressure.

There are shades of yellow that stimulate parts of the brain, bringing clear-headed, decisive action, while green, on the other hand, affects the nervous system, causing us to breathe slowly and deeply, helping the heart to relax by slowing the production of stress hormones. What about red? It likely will evoke the strongest emotions, be that passion or anger.

Lighting is also crucial with regard to glare and reflection on various textiles and materials; designers need to minimize eyestrain on the driver.

Getting back to the Fusion, its palette is ice blue, purple, blue, orange, red, white and green, allowing you to set and change each color, depending on your wants and needs.

Color Messages and Meanings by Leatrice Eiserman calls out emotions brought about by color, such as orange denoting outgoing and optimistic, while green is refreshing and relaxing. Blue is dependable and loyal, while red is an attention-getter.

Which are you?