Dyson: “We use color to emphasize technology”

dyson colors
There is a thought behind the colors of a Dyson. © Vacuumtester.com

Ever since the introduction of the first Dyson vacuum cleaner in 1993, the Dyson DC01, it has been clear. Dyson loves colors and is happy to use them in its products. Dyson now shares why it chooses specific colors and how this has been further developed in recent years.

Dyson colors complement form and function

Although the first vacuum cleaner saw the light of day in 1993, it was not until 2016 that a dedicated color technical team was introduced to Dyson. He then worked at Hullavington Technology Campus in the UK on specific color palettes that complemented the shape and functionality of the vacuum cleaners.

Today, the team works with the engineering teams to create color palettes that complement the product's form and function. The palettes are driven by three key principles: function, emotion and senses.

“A product is only really beautiful when it works. People don't buy design that just looks good. At least not twice”

James Dyson

Behind the colors appears to be a thought. They are often used to simplify the complexity of the vacuum cleaners. For example, bright red is used to emphasize interaction, such as the trigger button or attaching and detaching parts.

Dyson's use of color has evolved over the past 30 years

The use of colors at Dyson has evolved tremendously over the past thirty years. Where Dyson started with mostly yellow vacuum cleaners, we are now increasingly seeing colors such as purple, dark blue and red in its vacuum cleaners.

For example, if we look at the Dyson DC01, it was mostly yellow with gray accents.

dyson with a yellow color
The yellow Dyson DC01. © Vacuumtester.com

When we launched DC01, we chose a gray silver speckled color to emphasize the solid technical geometry, industrial ‘steel-like' functionality and strength of the product. The yellow color was chosen for its high visibility and associations with heavy industrial machinery“, said Dyson.

As the product range expanded, colors were used to differentiate. For example, Dyson experimented with transparent vacuum cleaners, with recycled material and metallic paint finishes.

Increasingly darker in color with iron-like accents

Dyson's use of color has changed a lot in recent years. If we look at a Dyson V11, there are mainly dark colors with iron-like accents. In particular, deep blue and purple colors are often present in Dyson vacuum cleaners today.

filter dyson omni glide
The deep blue and purple colors emphasize technology. © Vacuumtester.com

The deep blue color in combination with purple – complemented by an anodized metal finish – is used to emphasize the technology.

The metallic flake resin used in the housing of Dyson vacuum cleaners makes every Dyson different: “Most manufacturers would try to remove these imperfections, but because they are an inherent part of the development process, our machines celebrate them. This means that no Dyson machine looks the same“, said Dyson.

Exclusive Golden Dyson vacuum cleaners

What Dyson is not talking about is a color choice that we also have these days: golden Dyson vacuum cleaners and parts. When you buy a Dyson yourself via the Dyson webshop, you get the opportunity to buy a Dyson V15 in gold, for example.

Why Dyson offers this option is not entirely clear, but there is a good chance that Dyson guarantees exclusivity and makes it interesting for potential customers to buy the vacuum cleaners from Dyson itself instead of from resellers. Something the vacuum cleaner brand often mentions in its commercials: “Buy directly from the person who makes!” And well, with vacuum cleaners with a price of at least a few hundred euros, a golden color might not even be that bad.

Robbert Tigchelaar
Robbert Tigchelaar

Robbert Tigchelaar has made testing vacuum cleaners his life's work. He has dedicated himself to conducting fully independent and valuable tests of vacuum cleaners to provide consumers with honest advice. His expertise in vacuum cleaners has been highlighted in The Washington Post and the Daily Express.

2 Comments
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  1. trying to find what model dyson i have. no book.
    on bottom of battery it reads sv27. was told it was a v15detect

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