In a recent LinkedIn post, Choo Ann NGOH delves into the fascinating evolution of product launch strategies, particularly concerning the introduction of color options. NGOH uses historical examples from the automotive industry and contrasts them with modern smartphone launches to explore consumer preferences and the strategic decisions behind product releases.
NGOH begins by posing a question to their audience: “do you launch with all the available colours in one go OR do you launch with a few and then another later on?” This sets the stage for an exploration of staggered versus immediate full-color releases.
Historical Context of Color Launches
Choo Ann NGOH draws a parallel between historical automotive launches and contemporary tech releases, highlighting how the strategy of introducing colors has changed over time. The post references the launch of the Proton Saga Aeroback in 1987, which, according to NGOH, was released in all colors simultaneously, leading to a significant waiting period.
“I recall Proton launched Proton Saga Aeroback in all colours in 1987… Waiting period was about a year”
However, NGOH points out a notable exception: the black color was introduced later as the “Proton Knight” in 1989. This early example suggests that even decades ago, manufacturers experimented with staggered color releases.
Henry Ford’s Color Strategy
The discussion then shifts to the iconic Henry Ford and his famous quote regarding car colors. Choo Ann NGOH clarifies a common misconception about Ford’s Model T.
The “Any Color as Long as It’s Black” Myth
While Henry Ford is often quoted as saying, “You can have your car in any colour as long as it is black,” NGOH reveals that this was a later production strategy, not the initial launch approach.
“When Model T was launched in 1908, it was available in several colours ie red, green, blue and grey. In 1914, Henry shifted to exclusively black colour to speed up production”
As Choo Ann NGOH explains, Ford initially offered various colors. It was only in 1914 that he standardized production to exclusively black to increase efficiency and speed up manufacturing. Interestingly, NGOH notes that upon the end of the Model T’s production in 1926, Ford reintroduced color options.
Modern Parallels in Tech Launches
Choo Ann NGOH connects these historical insights to modern product launches, specifically mentioning a smartphone company’s strategy.
“I never thought I’d see a smartphone company replicate this colour thingy launch. S3 was launched in May 2012 only in blue and white. Red was launched in Sep 2012”
This observation by NGOH highlights how, despite technological advancements, the strategic phasing of color releases continues to be a tactic employed by companies, perhaps to maintain marketing momentum or gauge consumer demand for different variants.
The Psychology of Color Preference
Beyond the business strategy, Choo Ann NGOH touches upon the human element of color preference. NGOH posits that individuals often identify with certain colors, even if they cannot fully articulate the reasons behind their choices.
“I guess human beings are colourful beings, aren’t we? I mean, we may identify with a certain colour (or two) But but but may not be able to explain why,” NGOH writes. The post concludes with a personal reflection, “Can you? I kenot lor,” inviting further engagement on the subjective nature of color affinity.
Through these historical and contemporary examples, Choo Ann NGOH offers a compelling look at how product color strategies have evolved, driven by production efficiency, market demand, and perhaps, the innate human connection to color.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Choo Ann NGOH on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →