Multidimensional scaling of color patterns of the DIN color chart

The DIN color chart was developed in the 1950s by Manfred Richter using of classical psychophysical scaling techniques. It is based upon the idea that colors are ordered along three subjective dimensions, i.e. hue, saturation, and brightness. Furthermore, it is assumed that the colors of the DIN color chart fulfill the principle of specific equidistancy. The main aim of this study was to investigate this claim empirically. More specifically, it was tested whether colors of the same hue and brightness are equally spaced along the dimension of subjective saturation. The data were collected in three paired comparisons experiments and were analyzed using multidimensional scaling. According to the results, the psychological properties of the DIN color system can be replicated approximately. In addition to a confirmation of the postulate of equidistancy this research contributes to the understanding of the convergence of different scaling methods.