University of Birmingham
  • Teaching excellence
  • Alumni
  • Work here
  • Events
  • Visit
  • UK Dubai
Menu
  • Study
  • Research
  • International
  • Business
  • News
  • About us
  • Teaching excellence
  • Alumni
  • Work here
  • Events
  • Visit
  • Switch to Dubai campus

Recommended pages

  • Information for teachers
  • Visit us for an open day
  • Accommodation
  • Contact us
  • Maps and directions
  • Sport and fitness
Home > Research > Perspectives > Blue is the colour: why do we see #TheDress so differently?
  • Explore Research
  • Research Spotlights

    Spotlight on Research

    • Hydrogen-powered train

      Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education’s (BCRRE) research into the application of fuel cells and hydrogen in railway traction system design stretches back over the last decade and beyond.

    • Quantum Technologies

      Developing the use of sensors and clocks in innovative, ground-breaking technologies to change the future landscapes of healthcare, transport, defence, civil engineering and more.

    • Responsible Business

      Academia partnering with business, investigating, developing and co-creating robust and innovative solutions to achieve responsible business success. Building the foundations for a more responsible and sustainable future.

    • Air Pollution

      We are working with partners across the globe to understand how to save lives at risk from poor air quality.

    • Superdiversity

      Challenging established views and policy responses to migration and its impact on societies in a rapidly changing world.

    • Global Ethics

      Birmingham academics work on major issues in international ethics and global justice and train the next generation of students to tackle these issues.

    • Liver Transplantation

      Birmingham has been at the forefront of transplants since the pioneering work of Sir Peter Medawar. Our researchers are continuing his legacy.

    • Explore our Spotlights

  • Our Researchers

    • Find a researcher
  • Research Areas

    Explore our Colleges

    • African Studies and Anthropology
    • American and Canadian Studies
    • Art History, Curating and Visual Studies
    • Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
    • Cultural Heritage
    • Drama
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • Film and Creative Writing
    • History
    • Law
    • Modern Languages
    • Music
    • Philosophy
    • The Shakespeare Institute
    • Theology and Religion

    We explore what it means to be human – in historical and cultural contexts, within ethical and legal norms and through languages and communication.

    Explore all Arts and Law Research
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Chemistry
    • Civil Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
    • Energy
    • Healthcare Technologies Institute
    • Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy
    • Mathematics
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Metallury and Materials
    • Physics
    • Quantum Technology Hub
    • Railways

    From atoms to astronomy, computers to cars and robots to robust materials, our goal is to transform our understanding of the world to make life easier, healthier and more sustainable.

    Explore all Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
    • Biosciences
    • Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
    • Psychology
    • Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

    Across the breadth of life and environmental sciences we discover, apply and translate science, forging major advances in human and environmental health.

    Explore all Life and Environmental Sciences Research
    • Institute of Applied Health Research
    • Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences
    • Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences
    • Institute of Clinical Sciences
    • Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy
    • Institute of Inflammation and Ageing
    • Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research
    • Institute of Microbiology and Infection

    With over 1,000 academic staff researchers and around £80 million new research funding per year, we are dedicated to performing world-leading research with the ultimate goal of improving human health.

    Explore all Medical and Dental Sciences Research
    • Birmingham Business School
    • Education
    • Government
    • Social Policy

    We address the challenges facing society and the economy, from shedding light on the refugee crisis, to character education in schools, through to developing leaders in the NHS.

    Explore all Social Sciences Research
  • Institutes
  • News
  • PhDs
  • Quest

Blue is the colour: why do we see #TheDress so differently?

In 'Perspectives'

  • Peaky Blinders: a gritty brand for Birmingham?
  • Past debates and perspectives
  • Research diaries
Andrew Schofield - Perspective

Dr Andrew Schofield

A blue and black (or is it white and gold?) dress has divided homes and workplaces across the land. Andrew Schofield tells us why we see it so differently.

Read full opinion

Policy Experts Guide

Begin your search

Our Impact: Find out about recent advances

Explore our Research Spotlights

Culture and collections

  • Barber Institute of Fine Arts Barber Institute of Fine Arts
  • Bramall Music Building Bramall Music Building
  • Cadbury Research Library Cadbury Research Library
  • Lapworth Museum of Geology Lapworth Museum of Geology
  • Winterbourne House and Garden Winterbourne House and Garden
  • University Music University Music
  • Research and Cultural collections Research and Cultural collections

Schools, institutes and departments

College of Arts and Law

  • Birmingham Law School
  • English, Drama and American & Canadian Studies
  • History and Cultures
  • Language, Cultures, Art History and Music
  • Philosophy, Theology and Religion

College of Medical and Dental Sciences

  • Applied Health Research
  • Biomedical Science
  • Birmingham Medical School
  • Cancer and Genomic Sciences
  • Cardiovascular Sciences
  • Clinical Sciences
  • Dentistry
  • Graduate School
  • Immunology and Immunotherapy
  • Inflammation and Ageing
  • Metabolism and Systems Research
  • Microbiology and Infection
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy

College of Life and Environmental Sciences

  • Biosciences
  • Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Metallurgy and Materials
  • Physics and Astronomy

College of Social Sciences

  • Birmingham Business School
  • Education
  • Government
  • Social Policy

See all schools, departments, research and professional services

  • Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences

Services and facilities

  • Conferences and hospitality
  • Facilities search
  • Libraries
  • Guild of students
  • University of Birmingham School
  • UoB Sport and Fitness
  • Online Shop
  • Freedom of Speech
University of Birmingham

Edgbaston
Birmingham B15 2TT
United Kingdom

Main Switchboard:
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344

Instagram Facebook Twitter Youtube Weibo Weibo
  • Privacy
  • Legal
  • Accessibility
  • Intranet
  • my.bham portal
  • Canvas Learning Environment
  • Publication Scheme
  • Information for Applicants
  • Freedom of information
  • Charitable information
  • Cookies and cookie policy
  • Site map
  • Website feedback
  • Contact us
© University of Birmingham 2019