# Exploring Interactive Color Palettes for Abstraction-Driven Exploratory Image Colorization

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.02202 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.02202/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 4 Mar 2024.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Computational Scaffolding of Composition, Value, and Color for Disciplined Drawing](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.17268/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Color design is essential in areas such as product, graphic, and fashion design. However, current tools like Photoshop, with their concrete-driven color manipulation approach, often stumble during early ideation, favoring polished end results over initial exploration. We introduced Mondrian as a test-bed for abstraction-driven approach using interactive color palettes for image colorization. Through a formative study with six design experts, we selected three design options for visual abstractions in color design and developed Mondrian where humans work with abstractions and AI manages the concrete aspects. We carried out a user study to understand the benefits and challenges of each abstraction format and compare the Mondrian with Photoshop. A survey involving 100 participants further examined the influence of each abstraction format on color composition perceptions. Findings suggest that interactive visual abstractions encourage a non-linear exploration workflow and an open mindset during ideation, thus providing better creative affordance.