NCS Colour AB, Stockholm, Sweden

December 2011 Published by NCS Colour AB, Stockholm, Sweden IT'S HERE - NCS GLOSS SCALE   Our spontaneous impression of objects and environments is influenced by their gloss level. The perception of colour, the impression of aesthetics and even the feeling of quality are influenced. Surface properties, such as damage resistance and the difficulty or easiness to be cleaned, often depend on how glossy or matt the surface is. Professionals such as architects, designers and product developers are conscious of such relationships between gloss and surface properties. Therefore we have now further improved and created a special tool which gives clear definitions and specifications of the gloss itself and in combination with colour. The name of the new tool is NCS Gloss Scale. The standpoint of NCS is to describe the observer’s visual impressions. Based on this, the new gloss scale is a tool that shows the different levels of gloss as a gradual visual movement and can be used as reference. The gloss samples can be fanned out and can easily be placed against various surfaces that the user works with. NCS Gloss Scale includes gloss samples in four different colours: white, light grey, mid grey and black. For each colour seven gloss levels are shown which are visually perceived as forming equal gloss steps or a natural gloss flow from the very matt to the very glossy. By its extended gloss register it will allow more nuanced and more effective creations of various effects. The scale also includes the internationally standardised measurement values of gloss as well as references to several existing standards. This also makes it suitable to visually check that the requirements for the gloss level of a surface are met. As a whole, NCS Gloss Scale a valuable tool for professional users who design objects and environments.   THE FRENCH RAILWAY IS STREAMLINING WITH NCS France has the most extensive railway system in Western Europe. SNCF, the company that operates the railway, recently implemented NCS in their visual identity management concerning the trains. A comprehensive analysis was carried out on their current colours. Overlapping colours were removed and primary colour standards were set for the most common SNCF colours. To coordinate and control their hundreds of global suppliers to the right colour, secondary colour standards (duplicates of the primary colour standards) were produced. With an effective colour management, SNCF saves time and money while securing their colour communication. MEET US AT THE FAIRS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT GLOSS With the launch of our new NCS Gloss Scale we will hold a presentation about the coming trends in products and environments and what shape and gloss they will be taking. One of the talks will be held on the main stage, “Entretorget”, during the STOCKHOLM FURNITURE FAIR on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 1 p.m. (you can also find us in booth AG:05). But, first off is IMM COLOGNE, the international furniture fair in Germany that will take place in January 16-22, next year. We have worked together with the design duo Doshi Levien in the exhibition Das Haus - Interiors on Stage, where we are one of the main sponsors. They have used NCS and our colour design tools in the development of the colour concept of the exhibition. At imm cologne, find us in Pure Village: C025, Pure Village Hall 03.2 and you can listen to our talk about gloss there as well. Welcome! TREND COLOURS OF THE YEAR The recently launched NCS INSIGHT 2012 is a trend colour selection with the 30 most important colours for the coming year. It has been developed in cooperation with Global Color Research, a world leading trend company, also behind the trend publications MIX TRENDS and MIX MAGAZINE (new issues out now). Discover new trends in design and architecture with lots of inspiring images in Mix magazine. Mix Trends is a book that gives you information on colour trends two years ahead of season. The latest issue focuses on colour palettes for autumn/winter 2013/14. References to NCS colours are used in all trends, making it easier for you to find and apply them. EXPERIENCE THE NCS ALBUM NCS ALBUM is a complete overview of the NCS System. Divided into two parts, the first binder contains the grey colours and the hues from Y to R90B. The second binder stretches from B to G90Y. Both binders are filled with 1950 removable colour samples in A9-format. Use it to choose and compare colours or to show and suggest colour combinations by using the colour samples on drawings, mood boards, specifications, etc. All NCS Colour Samples can be ordered separately as refills. A practical storage box is included that can be equipped with a carrying strap. The tight insert pockets keep the samples in place and a matt-laminated, whiter paper gives you the best background for the colours. You will also find Colour Masks for improved colour assessment and a Similarity page that enhance colour design choices and harmony.