Peer-reviewed Articles, Books, Chapters & Conference Papers
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Traditional Color Theory. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_454
Nemcsics, A., O’Connor, Z., Pompas, R. (2023). Color Harmony. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_239
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Color Psychology. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_228
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Color Field Painting. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_240
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Optical Art. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_241
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Environmental color interventions on a macro scale: Tactical urbanism and issues of global concern. Color Research and Application, 48 (5), Special Issue: Environmental Color Design, pp578-584. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/col.22845
O’Connor, Z. (2023). Traditional colour theory in design context: A focus on value. Journal of the International Colour Association, 32, pp29-43.
O’Connor, Z. (2022). Exploring the origins of Itten’s color theories using digital color mapping. In AIC2022 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Toronto, Canada, pp178-185. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. & Sheibani, H. (2022). Environmental color mapping in an historic UNESCO Heritage context: Uramanat, Iran. In AIC2022 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Toronto, Canada, pp558-565. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Traditional colour theory: A review. Color Research and Application. 46 (4), pp838-847. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22609
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Tactical urbanism: Colour interventions with purpose. Color Research and Application. 46 (3), pp516-523. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22613
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Color, power and identity. In C.P Biggam & K. Wolf (Eds.) Cultural History of Color in the Modern Age. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 978-1-474-27373-2
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Data visualization: The power and persuasive capacity of color. In AIC2021 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Milan, Italy, pp1159-1164. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Identifying and managing the factors that impact variability between specified and perceived color. AIC2021 Conference presentation, Study Group on Environmental Color Design, International Color Association (AIC) Conference, Milan Italy. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor Z. (2021) Traditional color theory. In: Shamey R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_453-1
O’Connor Z. (2021) RYB Color. In: Shamey R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_453-1
Nemcsics, A., O’Connor, Z. & Pompas, R. (2021). Color Harmony. In Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_239-5
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Color Psychology. In: Shamey, R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_228-2
O’Connor Z. (2021) Color Field Painting. In: Shamey R. (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_240-2
O’Connor, Z. (2021). Optical Art. In: Shamey, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_241-2
O’Connor, Z. (2020). Colour design and dementia: Harnessing HCI to improve environmental visual literacy. In: Brankert, R.G.A. & Kenning, G. (Eds.) HCI and Design in the Context of Dementia. Heidelberg: Springer.
O’Connor, Z. (2020). Tactical urbanism: Colour interventions with purpose. In AIC2020 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Avignon, France, 120-124. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2020). Reframing colour within the context of design education: Applying Q-methodology to enhance insight and learning. In AIC2022 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Avignon, France, 221-225. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2020). Colour design and dementia: Evidence-based strategies to enhance environmental visual literacy. In AIC2020 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference. Avignon, France, 173-177. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2020). Legendary pigments: Bridging the gap between the natural world and the digital world. In AIC2020 Proceedings of the International Colour Association (AIC) Conference 2020. Avignon, France, 125-129. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2020). A defense of traditional colour theory: Exploring the impact and relevance of ontology and epistemology. Color Impact 2020 Symposium, 6 June 2020. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343071712_Meeting_report_Color_Impact_2020_6_June_2020
O’Connor, Z. (2019). Effective environmental visual literacy: Pedestrian crossing design and the key roles of colour and contrast. Plenary keynote lecture. In AIC2019 Proceedings of the International Association of Colour (AIC) Conference. Buenos Aires, Argentina, pp41-47. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2019). Colour Harmony: A 2020 Perspective. ‘Color and Landscape’ Proceedings O’Connor, Z. (2019). Colour Harmony: A 2020 Perspective. In AIC2019 Proceedings of the International Association of Colour (AIC) Conference. Buenos Aires, Argentina, pp520-526. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2018). Environmental visual literacy: Examining the roles of colour and contrast. In AIC2018 Proceedings of the International Colour Association Conference. Lisbon, Portugal, pp151-157. https://aic-color.org/publications-proceedings
O’Connor, Z. (2018). Colour interventions with purpose: Sydney | Australia. Conference presentation, AIC Study Group on Environmental Colour Design at the Interim meeting of the International Colour Association, Lisbon, Portugal, 27 September 2018.
O’Connor, Z. (2018). Exploring colour contrast interventions to improve environmental visual literacy. Annual Conference of the Colour Society of Australia, Melbourne, 8-9 Sept 2018.
O’Connor, Z. (2016). Colour/contrast strategies to improve environmental visual literacy, Universal Design Symposium, ANZ Viaducts Event Centre, Auckland, NZ, 26 October 2016.
O’Connor, Z. (2016). Color Field Painting. In R. Luo (Editor) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. New York: Springer, pp310-321. ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8
Nemcsics, A., O’Connor, Z. & Pompas, R. (2016). Color Harmony. In Ronnier Luo (Editor) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. New York: Springer, pp322-328. ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8
O’Connor, Z. (2016). Color Psychology. In R. Luo (Editor) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. New York: Springer, pp365-375. ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8
O’Connor, Z. (2016). Optical Art. In R. Luo (Editor) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. New York: Springer, pp985-987. ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8
O’Connor, Z. (2015). Colour, contrast and Gestalt theories of perception: The impact in contemporary visual communications design. Color Research and Application, 40 (1), 85-92.
O’Connor, Z. (2015). Extreme plagiarism: The rise of the e-Idiot? The International Journal of Learning in Higher Education, 20 (1), 1-11.
O’Connor, Z. (2014). Elements and principles of design: Tools to identify, analyse and evaluate the visual (Chapter 6). In A. Rourke and V. Rees (Eds.), Researching the visual: Demystifying “the picture that’s worth a thousand words” Champaign, IL: Common Ground Publishing (pp94-125).
O’Connor, Z. (2014). Colour as code: Obscure dialect or lingua franca? (Chapter 8). In A. Rourke and V. Rees (Eds.). Researching the visual: Demystifying “the picture that’s worth a thousand words” Champaign, IL: Common Ground Publishing (pp144-164).
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2013). Threshold concepts: Overcoming the stumbling blocks to learning design history and colour theory in higher education. International Journal of Design Education: An International Journal, Annual Review, 6, 23-31.
O’Connor, Z. (2013). Colour as catalyst: Using colour differentiation to enhance learning. In A. Rourke and V. Rees (Eds.) Building minds, forging bridges: Teaching in a visually littered world. Champaign, IL: Common Ground Publishing, pp43-70.
Rourke, A. & O’Connor, Z. (2012). Effective use of visual materials in higher education. New York: Nova Science.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2012). Visual literacy and visual memory. In A.J. Rourke, Z. O’Connor & K. Coleman (Eds.), Effective use of visual materials in higher education. New York: Nova Science, pp89-106.
O’Connor, Z. (2012). Gestalt theories of visual perception and visual communication materials (Chapter 7). In A.J. Rourke, Z. O’Connor & K. Coleman (Eds.), Effective use of visual materials in higher education. New York: Nova Science, pp107-118.
O’Connor, Z. (2012). Visual perception: The roles of colour and contrast. In A.J. Rourke, Z. O’Connor & K. Coleman (Eds.), Effective use of visual materials in higher education. New York: Nova Science, pp119-156.
O’Connor, Z. (2012). Design factors. In A.J. Rourke, Z. O’Connor & K. Coleman (Eds.), Effective use of visual materials in higher education. New York: Nova Science, pp157-180.
Rourke, A. & O’Connor, Z. (2011). Visual teaching materials: The role of visual literacy and predominant learning modality. In M. L. Falese (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Education Research. New York: Nova Science, pp209-244.
O’Connor, Z. (2011). Colour psychology and colour therapy: Caveat emptor. Color Research and Application, 36 (3), 229-234.
O’Connor, Z. (2011). Logo colour and differentiation: A new application of environmental colour mapping. Color Research and Application, 36 (1), 55-60.
O’Connor (2011). Valuation of cultural heritage: Towards a conceptual model and potential evaluation strategies. In D. Mittleman & S. Augustin (Eds.) EDRA42: Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Chicago IL, pp189-196.
Rourke, A. & O’Connor, Z. (2010). Improving Visual Teaching Materials. New York: Nova Science. ISBN: 978-1616682941.
Rourke, A. & O’Connor, Z. (2010). Examining ways to improve visual materials: The role of visual literacy and predominate learning modality. In M.L. Albertson (Ed.) Developments in Higher Education. New York: Nova Science, 1-37.
O’Connor, Z. (2010). Colour harmony revisited. Color Research and Application, 35 (4), 267-273.
Throsby, D., Deodhar, V., Hanna, B., O’Connor, Z. & Zednik, A. (2010). Measuring the economic and cultural values of historic heritage places. Environmental Economics Research Hub Research Reports, Number: 85, November 2010.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2010). Visual literacy levels and predominant learning modality among first year design students: The influence of teaching intervention. International Journal of Design Principles and Practice, 4 (1), 347-360.
O’Connor (2010). Universal Design and retirement village environments in Sydney, Australia. In J. Bissell, M.Chapin, T. Rosenheck & M. Murtha (Eds.). EDRA41: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Washington DC, pp116-122. (University of Sydney Research Paper Prize). Full keynote paper. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.edra.org/resource/resmgr/proceedings/toc/edra41_content.pdf
O’Connor, Z. (2010). Facade colour and planning policy in Sydney: The need for paradigm change. In T. Rosenheck & M. Murtha (Co-chairs), EDRA41: Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Washington DC, 2-6 June 2010.
O’Connor, Z. (2010). Black-listed: Why colour theory has a bad name in 21st century design education. Proceedings of ConnectED 2010: 2nd International Conference on Design Education (Ed. Graham Forsythe), University of New South Wales, Sydney.
O’Connor, Z. & Rourke, A.J. (2010). Making it relevant: Strategies to link design history and theory to contemporary design practice. ConnectED 2010: 2nd International Conference on design education, Sydney.
Throsby, D., Deodhar, V., Hanna, B., O’Connor, Z. & Zednik, A. (2010). Measuring the economic and cultural values of historic heritage places. In Proceedings of the Economics and the Environment Network Symposium, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 22-24 November 2010.
O’Connor, Z. (2010). Colour psychology and colour therapy: Ancient knowledge or New Age nonsense? In M. Kyrios (Ed.) Proceedings of ICAP2010 27th International Congress of Applied Psychology, Melbourne, 11 to 16 July 2010.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2010). The expectations-reality interface: Visual literacy, predominant learning modalities and preferences among first year design students. In J. Thomas (Ed.) Proceedings of the 13th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education (FYHE) Conference, Griffith University, Brisbane.
O’Connor, Z. (2009). Digital colour mapping. In T. Porter & B. Mikellides (Eds.), Colour for architecture today (2nd edition) London: Taylor & Francis, pp45-47.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2009). Look before you leap: Testing some assumptions on visual literacy and predominant learning modalities of undergraduate design students in Australia and New Zealand. International Journal of Learning. 16 (8), 33-45.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2009). Investigating visual literacy levels and predominant learning modality among undergraduate design students in Australia: Preliminary findings. International Journal of Design Principles and Practices 3 (2), 17-28.
O’Connor, Z. (2009). Façade colour and judgements about building size. In D. Smith, P. Green-Armytage, M.A. Pope & N. Harkness (Eds.) AIC2009 Proceedings of the International Color Association (AIC) Conference. Sydney, Australia, (CD-Rom).
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2009). Recommendations for intervention in the visual domain: A study of undergraduate design students’ visual literacy and predominate learning style. In R. Woodrow (Ed.) Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools. Griffith University, Brisbane.
Rourke, A.J. & O’Connor, Z. (2008). I can see it but I don’t understand it! Investigating visual literacy skills and learning styles in a higher education design history curriculum. International Journal of the Humanities, 6 (6), 19-26.
O’Connor, Z. (2007). Retiring gracefully? Older people and retirement village environments. In J. Bissell (Ed.) EDRA38: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Sacramento CA, pp41-45. Full keynote paper: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.edra.org/resource/resmgr/proceedings/toc/edra38_content.pdf
O’Connor, Z. (2006). Environmental colour mapping using digital technology: A case study. Urban Design International, 11 (1), 21-28. (University of Sydney Research Paper Prize)
O’Connor, Z. (2006). Happy campers? The interface between older people and retirement village environments. In C. Shanley & T. Roberts (Eds.) Proceedings of the 5th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing (pp 152-155). Sydney: University of Sydney.
O’Connor, Z. (2006) From conflict to concord: façade colour and aesthetic response (Preliminary findings). In M.K. Chapin & A.N. Greenberg (Co-Chairs), EDRA37 Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Atlanta GA, 3-7 May 2006.
O’Connor, Z. (2005) Environmental colour harmony & preference: A case for diversity? In B. Schermer (Chair), In: EDRA36: Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Vancouver, Canada, 27 April -1 May 2005.
O’Connor, Z. (2004). Environmental colour mapping using digital technology. In D. Miller & J.A. Wise (Eds.), Proceedings of EDRA35: Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Albuquerque NM, pp 71-80. Full keynote paper. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.edra.org/resource/resmgr/proceedings/toc/edra35_content.pdf
O’Connor, Z. (2004). Concord v discord: A new approach to environmental colour. In Spatial Environments Agreeable for Human Beings: Proceedings of the 6th Int. Symposium for Environment-Behaviour Studies (pp 250-256). Tianjin, China: Baihua Literature & Art.
Invited Speaker – Interviews, Forums, Lectures & Seminars
Invited speaker: Linking heritage and contemporary: Managing heritage values with contemporary color palettes. Environmental Color Design Research Group [Online Seminar], 13 March 2024
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), March 7, 2024.
Invited interview: Four Color Palettes to Try at Home, According to Color Psychologists [Industry journal]. Architectural Digest, August 22, 2023.
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), August 17, 2023. https://acia.asn.au/course-list/colour-design-for-aged-care-and-dementia-care/
Interview: Exploring the role colour plays in the built environment [Radio interview]. ABC Radio, Nightlife interview with Suzanne Hill, Sydney, Australia, June 9, 2023. https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/nightlife/102436224 https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/nightlife/colour—redo/102465008
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), February 23, 2023
Invited speaker: Specified vs. Perceived Colour [Industry webinar]. Resene Paints Queensland, and Building Design Queensland, February 9, 2023. https://bdqld.com.au/BuildingDesignQueensland/Shared_Content/Events/Online%20CPD%20with%20BDQ.aspx?EventKey=0902
Interview: Colour as a visual deterrent [Radio interview]. ABC Radio National interview with Jonathon Kendall, Melbourne, Australia, December 1, 2022.
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), October 20, 2022
Invited expert interview: Evidence-based insight on psychology of colour [Industry journal interview]. Mindfood Magazine, September 2022.
Invited speaker: Colour design for engagement, orientation and wayfinding in aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Resene Paints, New Zealand, August 2, 2022. https://adnz.org.nz/news-and-events/Event?Action=View&Event_id=355 https://www.habitatbyresene.co.nz/specifiers/learn-about-colour-for-engagement-orientation-and-wayfinding-in-aged-care-and-dementia-care-carparks-in-this-free-resene-webinar
Interview: Can bright colours lift your mood? [Radio interview]. Panel discussion with Professor Stephen Westland and Nat Tencic, ABC Radio National, Sydney, Australia, July 12, 2022. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/can-bright-colours-lift-your-mood/13969154
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), June 16, 2022.
Invited speaker: Evidence-based colour psychology [Industry seminar]. Orana College, Harris Street, Sydney, February 11, 2022.
Invited speaker: Colour fundamentals [Industry seminar]. Orana College, Harris Street, Sydney, February 10, 2022.
Invited speaker: Architectural color – Towards an evidence-based understanding of the impact of color [Academic and industry webinar]. Fargedagen, Oslo Planning Conference, Norway, December 1, 2021. https://magasin.oslo.kommune.no/byplan/vil-sette-farge-p%C3%A5-oslo#gref http://www.aicecd.org/index.php?article_id=91&clang=2 https://fb.me/e/1XBXnwLxD/
Engaged as expert advisor: Suncorp Bank (sixth largest bank in Australia), Sydney, Australia, September 2021. https://www.suncorpgroup.com.au/news/news/suncorp-bank-research-home-renovations
Invited speaker: Colour design for aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), September 14, 2021.
Invited speaker: Specified colour vs. perceived colour: Strategies to manage factors that impact interior and exterior colour [Industry webinar]. Resene, New Zealand, March 24, 2021. https://habitatbyresene.co.nz/specifiers/webinar-specified-versus-perceived-colour
Invited speaker: Visual communications design [Industry seminars x 8]. Orana College, Harris Street, Sydney, February to March 2021.
Invited speaker: Demystifying colour: Making sense of different colour models and systems [Industry webinar]. Resene Paints, New Zealand, August 27, 2020. https://teulo.co/events/resene-webinar-10/
Invited speaker: Colour Apps + Tools [Industry seminar]. Orana College, Harris Street, Sydney, July 30, 2021.
Invited speaker: Evidence-based colour psychology [Industry seminar]. Orana College, Sydney, July 23, 2021.
Invited speaker: Colour fundamentals [Industry seminar]. Orana College, Sydney, July 16, 2021.
Interview: Colour in design and the built environment [Radio interview]. ABC Radio, James Valentine program, Sydney, Australia, March 2, 2021. https://youtu.be/6MKqhOLIodY
Invited speaker: Colour design for engagement, orientation and wayfinding in aged care and dementia care [Industry webinar]. Resene Paints, New Zealand, May 28, 2020. https://habitatbyresene.co.nz/specifiers/learn-how-colour-can-be-your-guide-at-this-free-resene-workshop
Invited panel participant: The Architecture of Human Happiness Symposium [Public forum], Sherman Centre for Culture and Ideas, Sydney, Australia, October 19, 2019. https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/scci-architecture-hub-returns https://www.australiandesignreview.com/architecture/second-annual-scci-architecture-hub/
Interview: Effective colour camouflage [Video interview]. Sealife Aquarium Sydney, July 16, 2019. https://youtu.be/o0w24zJSpis
Interview: Psychology of colour [Television interview], Daily Edition, Channel 7, Sydney, Australia, February 20, 2019.
Interview: Responses to colour [Radio interview]. ABC Radio, Drive program with Richard Glover, Sydney Australia on February 12, 2019.
Interview: Zena O’Connor – Colour expert. [Industry journal interview]. Artichoke Magazine (magazine of the Design Institute of Australia) pp12, December 2018.
Invited expert interview: The impact of colour on behaviour [Industry journal interview]. Artichoke Magazine (magazine of the Design Institute of Australia) pp104-105, December 2018.
Invited speaker. Colour Fundamentals [Corporate webinar]. Norna AI, Stockholm, Sweden, November 1, 2018.
Invited speaker: Colour, Power and Identity: From Impressionism to Branding and Social Media [Public lecture]. Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Australia, October 24, 2018. https://soundcloud.com/artgalleryofnsw/colour-in-context-zena-oconnor-on-colour-power-and-identity
Invited speaker: Colour/contrast interventions to improve environmental visual literacy. Colour Society of Australia, Melbourne, September 2018.
Invited speaker: Colour, materials, and finishes [Industry presentation]. Design Speaks Artichoke session, Melbourne, Australia, August 15, 2018. https://designspeaks.com.au/events/2018/08/15/artichoke-night-school https://designspeaks.com.au/speakers/zena-oconnor
Invited panel participant: Blueprint for Living – Vividness [Radio interview]. The panel included Jonathan Green, Lawrence Johnston, Andrew Walsh and Toni Risson. ABC Radio National, Sydney, Australia, February 24, 2018. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/blueprintforliving/last-half-hour:-vividness/9475082
Invited speaker: Signage and wayfinding evaluation [Corporate presentation]. Auckland District Health Board and Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand, October 27, 2016. https://www.adhb.health.nz/assets/Documents/About-Us/Board-agendas-and-minutes/2016/OPEN-Board-Meeting-Pack-26-October-2016-2.pdf
Invited speaker: The key roles of colour and contrast in environmental visual literacy. BUPA head office, Auckland, New Zealand, New Zealand, October 28, 2016.
Invited speaker: The key role of colour in environmental visual literacy. [corporate presentation]. Arvida Retirement Group, Auckland, New Zealand, October 28, 2016.
Invited speaker: The key roles of colour and contrast in environmental visual literacy [corporate presentation]. Auckland District Health Board, Clinical Education Centre, Auckland, New Zealand, October 26, 2016.
Invited speaker: The key roles of colour and contrast in environmental visual literacy [Industry presentation]. New Zealand Health Design Council, BECA, Auckland, New Zealand, October 25, 2016.
Invited speaker: The key roles of colour and contrast in environmental visual literacy [corporate presentation]. Klein Architects, Auckland, New Zealand, October 25, 2016.
Interview: Colour and spaciousness [television interview]. Sky News Real Estate television program,10 September 2016.
Interview: Colour and interior design [television interview]. Sky News Real Estate television program, 6 August 2016.
Interview: Colour and home improvement [television interview]. Sky News Real Estate television program, 2 July 2016.
Invited expert interview. Interior colour scheme review: CIGA project [Industry journal interview]. INTERIOR Magazine, Auckland, April 2016.
Invited speaker: Colour in architecture: Beyond aesthetics [Industry lecture series]. Engaged by Resene Paints New Zealand and ArchitectureNOW Magazine, February 2016.
- 26 February 2016, AAG Auditorium, Auckland, New Zealand
- 25 February 2016, Resene Head Office, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- 25 February 2016, Wellington Museum, Wellington, New Zealand
- 24 February 2016, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch, New Zealand https://architecturenow.co.nz/calendar/talk/zena-oconnor-colour-in-architecture/
Invited speaker: Colour psychology. Colour Society of Australia, Melbourne, August 2015.
Interview: Colour psychology: Caveat emptor [television interview]. The Daily Edition, Channel 7, Sydney, Australia, July 2, 2015. https://youtu.be/UEZkhz2n8d8
Invited expert interview. Research and insight on colour in interiors [Industry journal interview]. Aircraft Interior International, March 2015.
Invited color expert: Artists Voice: Evaluating colour in Rebecca Baumann’s ‘Automated Colour Field’ and Robert Owen’s ‘Sunrise #3’ . Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, Australia, July 2013. https://www.mca.com.au/learn/learning-resources/rebecca-baumann/activity-emotional-colour-wheel/
Invited industry expert: Colour psychology [film interview]. Norton Symantec brand launch, Porter Novelli, November 13, 2012.
Invited expert interview. Creative expression and colour psychology. [Industry journal interview]. Porter Novelli, November 2012.
Invited speaker: Music and colour: Exploring David Aspden’s artwork [public lecture], Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, Australia, May 27, 2012. https://www.academia.edu/4045066/Colour_theory_and_the_works_of_David_Aspden_18th_Biennale_of_Sydney_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art_Sydney_May_2012
Invited panel participant: Not through a glass, darkly [public forum]. ‘Paths to Abstraction’ exhibition, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney, Australia, August 14, 2010.
Invited speaker: Colour theory and application. Olafur Eliasson’s ‘Take Your Time’ exhibition [public lecture]. Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, February 6, 2010. https://www.mca.com.au/files/documents/Eliasson_roombrochure_lores.pdf
Invited speaker: 1950s design: The birth of the cool. College of Fine Art, UNSW, August 7, 2009.
Invited speaker: The Bauhaus: Origins, ideologies and links to current design practice. College of Fine Art, UNSW, March 2, 2009.
Awards and contributions
2024 – High volume contributor to the leading international peer-reviewed journal on color – Color Theory and Application: Seven peer-reviewed articles between 2010 and 2024. Consistently 2-3 of the Top 10 Most Accessed articles in Color Research and Application. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/page/journal/15206378/homepage/mostaccessed.html
2024 – Engaged as an evidence-based color expert, Aged Care Industry Association (Australia), ongoing from 2021.
2024 – Invited contributor: Muscle Shoals Music Now. Rhythms Music Magazine, Australia, March/April 2024, Issue 321, pp58-59.
2024 – Invited contributor: Muscle Shoals Music Update: 10th Anniversary of Single Lock Records. Rhythms Music Magazine, Australia, January/February 2024, Issue 322, pp60-61.
2023 – Six invited chapters [updated] in Renzo Shamey (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89862-5_241
2021 – Invited contributor for a six-volume major book series ‘A Cultural History of Color’ published by Bloomsbury, London: Book chapter: Color, power, and identity.
2021 – Six invited chapters [updated] in Renzo Shamey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_453-1
2019 – Invited Plenary Speaker at AIC2019, annual conference of the International Colour Association, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2018 – Invited as a consultant with expert color knowledge in applied design by Stockholm based artificial intelligence startup Norna.ai (Sweden).
2017 – Resene Landscape Colour Maestro Award: Kesterton Park Community Project. Resene Paints, New Zealand, August 2017.
2017 – Community Colour Award: Kesterton Park Community Project. Master Painters Association of Australia, November 2017.
2016 – Invited Plenary Speaker, Universal Design Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand.
2010 – Invited research team member, ‘Measuring use and non-use values of historic heritage place’, Distinguished Professor David Throsby AO (Primary investigator), Macquarie University, 2009 to 2011. Research outcomes – Three peer-reviewed publications.
2010 – University of Sydney Research Prize: Facade colour and planning policy in Sydney: The need for paradigm change. In T. Rosenheck & M. Murtha (Co-chairs), EDRA 41: Annual Conference of the Environmental Design Research Association. Washington, USA; 2-6 June 2010.
2008 – University of New South Wales Research Grant (082014) in collaboration with Associate Professor Arianne Rourke, Faculty of Art + Design from 2008 to 2013. Research outcomes: Two books and three book chapters plus seven peer-reviewed journal articles published in collaboration with A. Rourke.
2006 – University of Sydney Research Prize: Bridging the gap: Façade colour, aesthetic response, and planning policy. Journal of Urban Design, 11(3), pp335-345; 2006.
2006 – University of Sydney Research Prize: Environmental colour mapping using digital technology: A case study. Urban Design International, 11 (1), 21-28; 2006.
1993 – Gold Award and Bronze Award, Australian Catalogue Design Awards, Creative Director: Zena O’Connor, 1993.
1992 – Gold Award and Silver Award, Australian Catalogue Design Awards, Creative Director: Zena O’Connor, 1992.
Participation – Scientific peer review & PhD committeeS
Scientific peer review committee member – ongoing, as follows:
- Color Research and Application, 2009 to 2024: 18+ peer reviews https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/A-9880-2009
- Color Culture and Science Journal, 2021 to 2023 – 2 peer review
- Urban Design International, 2022 to 2023: 1 peer review
- International Journal of Design Principles and Practices, 2009 to 2010: 2 reviews
AIC 2022 – International Color Association Conference, Toronto, Canada, June 13-16, 2022. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/AIC2022-Conference_Proceedings.pdf
AIC Branding and Visual Identity Project team member for the International Colour Association (AIC), 2019-2022.
2022 – PhD thesis examiner – Yanqiao Jiang, Griffith University, Queensland Australia, 2022
2022 – PhD thesis examiner – Beichen Yu, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 2022
2022 – PhD thesis examiner – Natalie O’Connor, University of NSW, Sydney Australia, 2022
AIC 2021 – International Color Association Conference, Milan, Italy, Aug 30 to Sept 3, 2021. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/Proceedings_AIC2021_r10.pdf
2021 – PhD thesis examiner – Elizabeth Reed, Griffith University, Queensland Australia, 2021
AIC 2020 – International Color Association Conference, Avignon, France, November 20 and 26-27, 2020. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/AIC_2020_proc.pdf
AIC 2019 – International Color Association Conference, Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 15-17, 2019. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/AIC_2019_proc.pdf
AIC 2018 – International Color Association Conference review committee, Jeju, Korea, October 16-20. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/AIC_2019_proc.pdf
2015 – PhD thesis examiner – Christopher Waller, Monash University, Melbourne Australia, 2015
2014 – Invited associate editor, International Journal of Learning in Higher Education (Vol 20)
2014 – PhD thesis examiner – Dominique Falla, Griffith University, Queensland Australia
2010 – Invited to Chair the Design as Research Panel – ConnectED 2010, 2nd International Conference on Design Education, Sydney, 28th June to 1st July 2010.
AIC 2009 – International Color Association Conference, Sydney, Australia, September 28 to October 2, 2009. https://www.aic-color.org/resources/Documents/aic2009%20papers%201.zip
Consultancy Projects
Engaged as an expert evidence-based colour consultant. Greene King, UK, from February 2023. Greene King operates 3,100 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK and is a considered a key player in the sector. https://www.statista.com/topics/6222/pubs-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/#topicOverview
Engaged as an expert evidence-based colour consultant. Norna.ai, Sweden, from December 2018 to 2022. Norna.ai is a leading artificial intelligence startup based in Stockholm. https://norna.ai/index.php/2024/01/22/dr-zena-oconnor-joins-norna/
Engaged as an expert evidence-based colour consultant. Mirvac Properties, Sydney Australia, from November 2022. Established in 1972, Mirvac is a leading Australian property group. https://www.businessnewsaustralia.com/articles/sydney-top-companies-21-30.html
Nominated as a committee member – Branding and visual identity. AIC Branding and visual identity project. International Color Association (AIC), ongoing from 2019. Established in 1967, the AIC is the leading learned society and global association that focuses on colour application, research and science.
Routledge book proposal assessment, ‘New Urbanism of Color’, November 2023.
Expert evidence-based advice, Thornbury townhouse complex Façade Colour Assessment Report (VCAT 4174/2023), November 2023.
Interior colour recommendations for Greene King ‘Urban Core’ pubs, Greene King (UK), April 2023.
Broadway heritage-listed façade colour consultancy project, Mirvac Properties, Nov to Dec 2022.
Cairo House: Heritage-listed façade colour consultancy project. Salter & Salter, August 2022.
Multi-storey apartment façade colour consultancy project. East Esplanade, Manly, November 2021 to February 2022.
Colour in interior design consultancy project. Suncorp Bank (sponsors of the television series ‘The Block’), August 2021.
Apartment building façade colour consultancy project. Park Avenue, Mosman, May – June 2021.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Shaw, Bellevue Hill, April 2021.
Apartment building façade colour consultancy project. Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove, Nov 2020.
Multi-storey apartment building façade colour consultancy project. Kent Street, Sydney, Oct 2020.
Colour for healthcare and dental care sector consultancy project. Haugstad Mobel, Norway, June-July 2020.
Apartment building façade colour consultancy project. Chester Street, Maroubra, June 2020.
Evidence-based colour in the built environment consultancy sessions. Deicke Richards Architects, Brisbane, June 2019.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Wolifson, Surry Hills, February 2019.
Research and insight, colour in film (Vanguard). Arthrofilm Productions, UK, October 2018.
Packaging colour consultancy project. In-Flight Magic Skincare, November 2018.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Grattan, Bondi Junction, March 2018.
Brand colour and data visualisation consultancy project. Taylor Fry, Sydney, December 2017.
Research and insight consultancy project. Arts Health Institute, Sydney, October 2017.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Friedlander, Lane Cove, September, 2017.
Research and insight consultancy project. Arts Health Institute, Sydney, August 2017.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Pearson, Manly, June 2017.
Research on high visibility colour. Vollebak (UK), June, 2017.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Warrington, Mosman, March, 2017.
Colour in signage, orientation and wayfinding in the built environment. Resene Paints, New Zealand, 24 to 28 October 2016.
- 25 October 2016, DHLab signage evaluation. Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
- 28 October 2016. Bupa, Auckland and Arvida, Auckland, New Zealand.
Research and insight on colour in aged care consultancy project. Fraser McDonald Geriatric Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland District Health Board, 28 October 2016.
Research and insight on colour in healthcare consultancy project. New Zealand Health Design Council, Auckland, New Zealand, 25 October 2016.
Research and insight consultancy project. Arts Health Institute, Sydney, August 2016.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Gregoric Schneeman, Kirribilli, June 2016.
Invited expert speaker for industry lecture series. Resene Paints New Zealand.
- 26 February 2016, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand
- 25 February 2016, Resene Head Office, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
- 25 February 2016, Wellington Museum, Wellington, New Zealand
- 24 February 2016, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch, New Zealand
‘Rockcliff Mansions’ heritage-listed apartment building façade colour consultancy. High Street, North Sydney, 2015
Colour and visual display project. Kate Rose Designs, April 2014.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Anderson, Rozelle, January 2014.
Colour psychology insight consultancy and report: Norton Symantec brand launch. Porter Novelli, November 13, 2012.
Colour and design in social media. Jan Preston Composer, April to May 2011.
Academic advisory board member. Victory Institute of Tertiary Education, May to Aug 2010.
Brand and logo colour mapping consultancy project. ING Communities Pty Ltd, October 2008.
Research and insight consultancy project (NSW Central Coast). Aevum Limited, May 2008.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Walton-Smith, Lismore, March 2008.
Research and insight consultancy project (New residents survey). Aevum Ltd, February 2008.
Research and insight consultancy project (Milstern). Aevum Limited, November 2007.
Research and insight consultancy project (Extra care aged facilities). Aevum Ltd, October 2007.
Colour recommendations project (private residence). Wilkinson, Millers Point, June 2007.
Research and insight consultancy project (Southern Highlands). Aevum Limited, May 2007.
Research and insight consultancy project (Cromer/Northmead). Aevum Limited, March 2007.
Research and insight consultancy project (Port Macquarie and Forster). Aevum Ltd, Feb 2007.
Interior colour design insight (Juniperina Juvenile Justice Centre). Paul Bardsley, Department of Public Works, June 2006.
Research and insight consultancy project (Western Sydney). Aevum Limited, May 2006.
Research and insight consultancy project (Ashfield-1). Aevum Limited, April 2006.
Theatre façade colour consultancy project. Ensemble Theatre, Sydney, January 2006.
Memberships
Emeritus member, Environmental Design Research Association (USA). Ordinary member from 2004 to 2022; emeritus member from 2022 to current
Individual member, International Color Association (AIC), 2009 to 2022
Member, Environmental Color Design Group, International Color Association (AIC), 2009 to current
Member, Design Institute of Australia, 2018 to current
Member, Inter-Society Color Council (USA), 2018 to current
Foundation member, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 2001 to 2022
Member, Community Advisory Committee, Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, 2006 to 2018
PhD thesis & Master of Design thesis
O’Connor, Z. (2008). Façade colour and aesthetic response: Examining patterns of response within the context of urban design and planning policy in Sydney. University of Sydney. https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/4093
O’Connor, Z. (1994). A review of the key design elements of direct marketing catalogues. Supervisor: Prof. David Denne, Head, Design School, University of Technology, Sydney.