Each of the elements of website
design, such us spacing, fonts and images, can determine the impressions and,
eventually, the actions of visitors in a website. For instance, an image
surrounded by a large space would appear more important than an image that has
smaller spacing in its surroundings.
In particular, the color of a website can
set the mood of a visitor. Colors can cause changes in human emotions that
trigger various reactions. Red, for example, represents emotional excitement,
love and passion; while blue indicates trusts, peace, order and intellection.
Most companies apply color psychology in
determining which color to represent their brand or products. Apple Inc. chose
silver to represent the modernity and sleekness of their products. Similarly,
their website used a silver color palette to further promote the quality of
their merchandise.
If you are a professional offering web design services, keep in mind that
you have the responsibility to strengthen a company brand by creating color palettes
that conform to its trademark. You may also consider studies that show visitors’
preferences when it comes to color patterns (e.g., color patterns with similar
hues but with a contrasting accent color).
Furthermore, the color theory can
guide a company in choosing an outstanding color palette for its website. It explains how different hues or shades relate
to one another.
Below are five general color
combinations according to the theory.
1. Analogous
The analogous palettes use colors that
are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. Designs using these palettes
show consistency and uniformity and prevent any distraction from the content of
a web page.
2. Complementary
The complementary palettes are
composed of opposite colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They
create contrasting effects that can make vibrant designs. Usually, web designers
add tints and shades to color contrasts that are straining to the eye to make
the design less striking.
3. Triadic
The triadic palettes apply three main
colors equally spaced on the basic color wheel. Similar to complementary
palettes, triadic palettes can make the design lively. However, using these
palettes require more time in planning and experimentation since triadic
palettes are composed of colors that oppose each other.
4. Split-Complementary
The split-complementary palettes consist
of three colors: a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement.
They make vibrant contrasts that have lesser tension than complementary palettes.
5. Monochromatic
The monochromatic color palettes use the
various tints, shades and tones of one of the 12 hues from the basic color
wheel. Designs using these palettes usually convey intense emotional messages.
Overall, web designing involves understanding
how visitors respond to colors as it can affect their impression of the
products or services shown on company websites.
References:
"Basic Techniques for Combining Colors." Tiger Color. Accessed November 03, 2016.
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-harmonies.htm.
"Color Schemes Made Easy." Color Wheel Artists. Accessed November 03, 2016. http://color-wheel-artist.com/color-schemes.html.
Ciotti, Gregory. "The Psychology of Color in Marketing
and Branding." Entrepreneur.
April 13, 2016. Accessed November 03, 2016. https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/233843.
Clum,
Luke. "Using Color Theory to Create a Better Color Palette." Digital Telepathy. Accessed November 03,
2016. http://www.dtelepathy.com/blog/design/color-theory.
No comments:
Post a Comment