More Tips to Use Color in Your Site
May 10th, 2010 by Tweet
As I have previously mentioned in my other posts on color, color is one of the web designer’s most indispensable tools, because it is one of the main building blocks of a superior website. In addition, color can make such a statement, because one way to make your website more visually appealing is to have an appropriate color scheme that utilizes just the right amount and variation of color to clearly express the purpose, the personality, and the meaning of your site. Color is a great design element to experiment with, and it is such an amazing way to make your site pop. Below you will find my additional list of simple tips to improve the use of color in your site. I have written before about tips to use color in your site, and this post is merely an extension of my previous post that I wrote about one year ago. I hope you find my advice useful! Enjoy!
Create Color Harmony
Remember there are many ways to use color, including contrasting colors or complimentary colors; however, one thing for sure is that you must make sure whatever colors you use are harmonious. When I say harmonious, I am saying to make your color selection pleasing to the viewer. This involves using balance, variety, and style to make sure that the color you use is aesthetically pleasing to the viewer. Of course you could use a color scheme, which is the best choice when trying to achieve color harmony, but you can also test the limits of acceptable when it comes to color and it can actually still be harmonious. Also, try color repetition in your design, because this creates harmony as well. So, the best tip I can give you about this is to make sure what ever colors you choose top combine, whether contrasting or complimentary, try to use the color wheel, as it is your friend!
Use Color to Attract and Keep Attention
Color is a great way to get attention from your viewers. There are so many sites that I see that really capture the attention because of the use of color. Some designers like to use color excessively, which is fine, but my person opinion is to use color sparingly. I like to use color to attract attention to the parts of the site that give the most information. Remember that the eye will automatically be drawn to the parts of a site that have contrasting colors, so use color to draw the eye to the most important parts of your site. But, never overuse color because that will tire the eye. Remember that you are trying to attract and keep the attention of your viewers, but if the color is too dramatic, though it will attract the viewer, it will not keep their attention for long.
Use Color to Convey Information
Color has so much power in design, because it has the power to create a certain mood, evoke a certain response, reveal a certain personality, symbolize a certain idea or even express a certain mood. However, when you get into the meaning of colors, there can be a huge amount variance with what a person takes away from your work. For example, different cultures, sexes, genders, and ages may have a different response or perceive the information you are trying to convey differently. But, the bottom line is that color can convey a message, and thus it should be used wisely and with thought. Most importantly though to know your audience that views your site, so you know you are using appropriate color to make sure your audience perceives what you are trying to convey with your color!
Use Color in the Right Context
Another important issue when using colors in your site, is to make sure you use color in context. There are certain colors that can be understood by all people regardless of disability, age, language or computer knowledge. The use of these various colors appropriately is essential because their understanding transcends all limitations. For example, red means error, green means correct or yellow means alert. So, try to think about this next time you implement color into your site. Also, remember that there are psychological associations with different colors, and that these may be dependent on the specific circumstances, so make sure they work for you in your specific situation.
Remember to Experiment with Color
Try to experiment with color as much as possible! This is a great tip, and one that is hard for a more conservative web designer like myself. Try to experiment with color saturation, different hues, different shades, different combinations, etc. When you experiment with colors you can get surprising results, as well as observe how different colors interact with each other. I wish I had more time to experiment, but since more of my time is spent developing than designing, I get little time to just let me imagination go when it comes to color. Nonetheless, try to push the envelope when it comes to color and try to experiment with new colors, colors you may think you do not like, or even try using colors that are conventionally know for creating discord. Though you may not use all of your color creations while you are letting your creative muse run wild, you may suprise yourself and find the perfect color combinations for your site!
Color is in the Eye of the Beholder
Your target audience is made up if the people you want to visit your site, and who the intended content is directed to. It could be youth, elderly, college students, doctors, lawyers, or in my case, web developers and designers. When you are promoting a website, one of the most crucial areas to consider is who your target audience will be. So, when selecting colors you will use in your site, make sure you take some extra time to research and investigate your target audience and make sure you use colors that appeal to them. Remember, you are not making a site that pleases you most of the time, but rather you are attempting to make a site that pleases the viewer. Thus, the colors you select should be no expection!
Remember Accessability/Usability and Color
From what I have read, close to 10% of males are color blind, and since this can be a large percentage of your potential viewers on any given site, it is important to remember this when selecting colors. Where colors must convey a certain message, use those that are easy to see by people who are colorblind. Normally, this means using colors that contrast in value and intensity, also known as contrasting colors. Also be aware that it is more difficult to distinguish dark, saturated colors, and also lighter pastels like colors, specifically in low or bright lighting for most people, but this is most certainly the case for those people who are color-blind. So, with this color tips with are touching on accessability, but also good color usage as well!
Teylor Feliz is a well-known XHTML/CSS/JavaScript enthusiast from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He has more than 10 years experience in the computer programming and development world, including 2 years teaching computer science. He is currently living in Louisiana, where he plans to complete his degree in Computer Science, and begin a Masters in the field.
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COLOR! COLOR! Color gives perspective. Perspective gives a way. That way brings a personal reality to the design. It’s IMPORTANT>!
I like your comment! So true and just in line with my article! I could not agree more! Thanks for the comment
Great article, very helpful. Thanks Ted
Thank you! I am glad you find it helpful! Come back soon and thanks for the comment!
Cool post, also good point about people that are color blind.
Yes, when I found out about that it now makes me think about it when I plan a design!
Would you say that colour is the life in something? The way of telling something from another.