Viewing conditions
Lesson 2 of 4
Objective
Set up a visual color assessment that follows the applicable procedure, and record the conditions so the result can be repeated.
Use the light sources (illuminants) that the applicable Brand procedure specifies, in viewing equipment that is maintained — lamps within their service life, clean interior, neutral surroundings. Daylight from a window is not equivalent to a controlled light booth.
Prepare the sample and the reference in the same way: same orientation (pile and grain direction), same number of layers, same flatness, side by side at the angle the procedure describes. Remove bright or colored objects from the field of view.
Record which source you used and the viewing conditions. A pair that matches under one light can differ under another — this is called a change under different light, and it is a real, reportable observation.
Never assign or approve a precise shade from a phone photograph or a screen. Cameras and displays change color.
AI-generated training image — verify on a physical garment.
Observation question
Before judging these four pieces, which approved reference and which specimen IDs are missing from what you can see?
Factory scenario: the navy trim
Navy trim matches the body fabric under the first specified source but looks greener under the second specified source.
Correct handling: record both results with the source names, do not average them into one verdict, and refer the result to the Brand's criteria for which sources must match.
Common mistakes
- Checking color at a window or under ordinary factory lights and calling it a booth result.
- Placing the sample and reference in different orientations.
- Sending a phone photo to approve a shade.
Your action
Write down which light sources your Brand procedure specifies and where that equipment is in your workplace. If you do not know, find out who does.