Design Guide for Color Selection
Effective color combinations greatly enhance user experience. Let's learn how to select colors for web design and branding.
Basic Color Concepts
1. Color Systems
- RGB: Combination of Red, Green, Blue
- HEX: Color codes expressed in hexadecimal (#FF0000)
- HSL: Hue, Saturation, Lightness
2. Color Wheel
Understanding the color wheel helps create harmonious color combinations.
Color Combination Methods
1. Monochromatic Combination
Using different brightness and saturation of the same color.
Advantages:
- Harmonious and stable feeling
- Easy to implement
- Maintains brand consistency
Example:
- #FF6B6B (bright red)
- #FF5252 (medium red)
- #D32F2F (dark red)
2. Analogous Combination
Using adjacent colors on the color wheel.
Advantages:
- Natural and comfortable feeling
- Visually harmonious
Example:
- Blue, cyan, green
- Red, orange, yellow
3. Complementary Combination
Using colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
Advantages:
- High attention due to strong contrast
- Dynamic and vibrant feeling
Example:
- Red and green
- Blue and orange
- Yellow and purple
4. Triadic Combination
Using three colors 120 degrees apart on the color wheel.
Advantages:
- Balanced harmony
- Various color usage possible
Color Psychology
1. Warm Colors
- Red: Energy, passion, urgency
- Orange: Creativity, friendliness, vitality
- Yellow: Happiness, optimism, attention
2. Cool Colors
- Blue: Trust, stability, professionalism
- Green: Nature, growth, peace
- Purple: Elegance, mystery, creativity
3. Neutral Colors
- Black: Elegance, authority, mystery
- White: Purity, simplicity, cleanliness
- Gray: Balance, neutrality, professionalism
Color Usage in Web Design
1. Brand Color Setting
- Primary Color: Main brand color
- Secondary Color: Supporting color
- Accent Color: Emphasis color
2. Color Guide by UI Elements
- Buttons: Use primary color
- Links: Use accent color
- Text: Use high contrast colors
- Background: Use neutral colors
3. Accessibility Considerations
- Contrast Ratio: Follow WCAG guidelines (minimum 4.5:1)
- Color Blindness: Don't convey information through color alone
- Dark Mode: Color combinations suitable for dark backgrounds
Practical Color Tips
1. 60-30-10 Rule
- 60%: Main background color
- 30%: Secondary color
- 10%: Accent color
2. Use Color Palette Tools
- Adobe Color
- Coolors.co
- Material Design Color Tool
3. Draw Inspiration from Nature
- Extract colors from photos
- Use seasonal colors
- Choose colors that match brand image
Color Combination Examples
1. Professional Feel
- Primary: #2C3E50 (dark blue)
- Secondary: #ECF0F1 (light gray)
- Accent: #E74C3C (red)
2. Friendly Feel
- Primary: #3498DB (bright blue)
- Secondary: #F39C12 (orange)
- Accent: #2ECC71 (green)
3. Elegant Feel
- Primary: #8E44AD (purple)
- Secondary: #34495E (dark gray)
- Accent: #F39C12 (gold)
Conclusion
Good color combinations provide positive experiences to users. Choose colors that match your brand's personality and purpose, and consider accessibility to create designs that all users can use comfortably.