KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Use CRI as a baseline, not the full answer
- Review fidelity and gamut for critical applications
- Test real materials at operating conditions
- Require consistent, verifiable colour data
01Colour Quality Is More Than One Number
CIE's recent colour-quality work reflects an industry shift away from judging every light source with one number. CRI remains widely recognized, but it cannot describe all aspects of colour appearance.
A robust specification considers fidelity, gamut, chromaticity, spectral behavior and the needs of the application.
02Where CRI Still Helps
CRI offers a familiar baseline for comparing sources under defined conditions. It is useful when interpreted correctly and supported by complete test data.
However, sources with similar CRI can render saturated colours, skin tones and merchandise differently, so CRI alone should not decide a premium project.
Industry Impact at a Glance
01 Use CRI as a
Use CRI as a baseline, not the full answer. This point should be documented and verified during project delivery.
02 Review fidelity and gamut
Review fidelity and gamut for critical applications. This point should be documented and verified during project delivery.
03 Test real materials at
Test real materials at operating conditions. This point should be documented and verified during project delivery.
04 Require consistent, verifiable colour
Require consistent, verifiable colour data. This point should be documented and verified during project delivery.
03Fidelity, Gamut and Preference
Fidelity describes how closely colours appear compared with a reference. Gamut indicates whether colours become more or less saturated. Preference can depend on materials, cultural expectations and brand intent.
These dimensions help explain why two high-CRI sources can create noticeably different spaces.
04Application-Specific Evaluation
Retail needs accurate brand and product colours; hospitality often prioritizes warm materials and flattering skin tones; offices require clarity and consistency. Museums and healthcare may have stricter conservation or diagnostic needs.
Representative material mock-ups should be evaluated at the intended illuminance and dimming level.
Project Planning Matrix
| Project Stage | Priority | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Concept | Design intent | Define performance goals and applicable standards |
| Specification | Evidence | Verify product data, controls and interoperability |
| Commissioning | Real performance | Test settings, document results and review after occupancy |
05Writing a Better Colour Specification
Specify CCT and chromaticity tolerance together with verified colour-fidelity information, consistency across batches and performance under dimming. Request spectral or extended colour data when the application justifies it.
Define acceptance criteria clearly so substitutions can be reviewed objectively.