 Using color in a design undisputedly draws more attention to it. Studies show that using color will give a design greater impact and get it noticed more. However, while using color can elicit increased interest, it can also send the wrong message.In visual experiences the viewer seeks an inner sense of order, balance and harmony. If a design is boring the viewer may not become engaged. In contrast, if a design is chaotic and out of balance, the brain will reject what it cannot organize. Color can create visual impact, order and emotional responses when harmonious combinations are specified. Selecting colors for a design should take into consideration the audience you are trying to attract. Despite the complexity of color associations, humans share some basic responses. Warm colors generally are considered stimulating and “move toward you”. While dark or cool colors are usually calming and “move away from you.” |
Black is associated with power, elegance, mystery, seduction, formality, death and danger.
Orange is considered a happy, joyful, festive, playful and bright color often associated with the tropics.
Green is the color of purity, nature, cleanliness, money, harmony, fertility and growth.
Like a clear blue sky, bright blue is calming, breezy and associated with the cool, clean color of the sky and ocean.
Red is associated with aggression, excitement, strength, sex, passion and conquest.
This vital and optimistic color elicits the warmth of sunshine and is associated with health, joy and happiness but also cowardice.
Purple connotes royalty, wealth, power, nobility, sophistication, ambition, intelligence and dignity.
For most North American cultures white symbolizes purity, sterility, innocence, virginity, cleanliness and perfection.