Learning web design: understanding colour
Whether you’re just starting out in web development or have some experience under your belt, understanding colour is one of the most powerful skills you can add to your toolkit. Colour isn’t just about making a website look pretty – it influences user emotions, guides attention, and strengthens brand identity. A well-chosen colour palette can make the difference between a website that feels intuitive and professional and one that feels confusing or cluttered.
INTRODUCTION
THE COLOUR WHEEL
COMPLEMENTARY AND CONTRASTING COLOURS
BRAND COLOURS
CONCLUSION
Introduction
Colour is one of the basic principles of design. It is easy to learn, but hard to master. It’s easy to learn about complementary and contrasting colours, but hard to know which colour palettes will work just by looking at a colour. This post aims to teach you the basics of colour theory, for use in web design.
Why Colour Matters
How colours influence emotions and user behavior, e.g. Blue = trust, Red = urgency, Green = growth.
The Colour Wheel
Contrasting colours, e.g. blue/orange, red/green, purple/yellow
Complementary colours e.g. blue, purple, red, orange
Triangle colours
Choosing a Color Palette
- Define brand personality or mood.
- Choose a base colour.
- Add complementary and accent colours.
- Accessibility Tip: Ensure good contrast for readability.
Applying Color in Web Design
- Hierarchy and Emphasis: Use colour to highlight calls-to-action.
- Background vs. Text: Ensure legibility and contrast.
- Consistency Across Pages: Keep colour usage uniform to create a cohesive look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too many colors causing confusion.
- Poor contrast affecting readability.
- Ignoring cultural color meanings.