Eric Langhorne, a computer science undergraduate at the University of Cincinnati, has developed a phone application designed to help users determine if their clothes match. Langhorne, who has color blindness, said this is a question he often faces and wanted to address through technology. The announcement was made on May 14.
The topic matters because color blindness affects many people who may struggle with everyday tasks such as matching clothing. Langhorne’s app aims to provide practical assistance and increase independence for those with similar challenges.
Langhorne transferred to the University of Cincinnati after spending two years at another university where he changed his major several times. He said his decision was based on the reputation of the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the opportunity for in-field experience through the cooperative education program. Instead of a traditional co-op position during his first designated semester, Langhorne participated in the Experiential Explorations Program, choosing a professional practice option that centers on student-led projects.
“I wanted to do something that was a little more unique,” Langhorne said. “I was thinking about problems that I face and the more I thought about it, the more color blindness came to mind.” He explained that as a child his parents noticed he had difficulty differentiating colors, which led to discovering his color blindness. “Growing up, I would show up to school in a silly outfit if I didn’t ask my mom or sister if it matched. Creating the app seemed like a fun thing to do that could help people like me,” he said.
The Color Match app allows users to upload photos of outfits so it can analyze whether they are matching or not. To develop this iPhone-specific app, Langhorne researched programming languages and user interfaces while receiving mentorship from Will Hawkins, assistant professor educator in computer science. “It was a lot of Googling, a lot of asking Will Hawkins for recommendations, and a lot of trying stuff and figuring it out,” Langhorne said.
He programmed matching logic using mathematical relationships from the color wheel since he could not distinguish all colors himself. After testing by intentionally mismatching outfits and refining code based on feedback from Apple’s testflight program participants, Color Match: Outfit Analysis became available as a free download for iPhone users.
Looking ahead, tools like Color Match may continue making daily life easier for those affected by color vision deficiencies.