Color Impact on UX By Tory Darling, ​Codal Inc
______________________________________________________ The user experience of a website covers a multitude of different designs and functions of a website or mobile app. The color, although seemingly basic, can have a great affect on the usability of the site. UX design agencies need to keep in mind how the usage of color impacts the user and how to use color in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and contributes positively to overall of the site or app. Here are some interesting facts and industry standards that user experience design services should keep in mind when designing. The Basics of Color In order for a UX designer to use color to the best of their ability, it all starts to remembering the lessons of kindergarten. Below is a color wheel for reference.
Source Firstly, some of the terms that you should refresh up on are primary colors (red, yellow, blue) secondary colors (orange, green purple), tints (when white is added to a color), shades (when black is added to a color) and value (the lightness or darkness of a color). Other key terms to know are complementary and analogous colors. Complementary colors are the ones opposite on the color wheel and create a large contrast, capturing
the user’s attention. Analogous colors on the other hand are next to each other on the color wheel. This is a less of a contrast and creates a sense of harmony in a design. Knowing these terms and how to use them properly is key in creating a beautiful digital experience. One practical use of these is when a UX design service chooses color for a particular text. Such that if they want the text to be easily readable, they will have the color of the text and the background color to have high contrast. The Psychology of Color Having the knowledge of what color means in regards to how the emotion it evokes is key in creating a multilayer experience for the user. For example, the color green is one that evokes growth, nature and success. So if you have a website that incorporates natural elements or the need to be eco-friendly, the green color is a great compliment to the message and content of the site. For more in depth analysis on the other colors, check out this blog by UXPin. What Color Means to Your Brand Lots of companies utilize color to evoke their brand image and emotion. Below is a chart of famous brands that use color to obtain a desired emotion.
Source Codal, an app design company in Chicago, constantly keeps in mind the brand and their overall message when designing a new application. Although the trick is designing to match the brand while also providing excellent usability. This balance is often only something an expert can find.
Color and Accessibility One of the most important factors of utilizing color in a digital space is making sure that it improves accessibility of a site. One arrangement of colors may look more aesthetically pleasing, but if it gives the user trouble to read it, it does not do any good. Keeping in mind that a user may have a form of color blindness is important when designing a website. For more information how to design for accessibility, check out Codal’s blog. Looking for more insight on UX design services? Are you wanting to develop an app and you need to know the cost to develop an app is? Visit Codal’s blog, or come talk to us here! We’d love to hear from you.
Codal Inc App Development & UX Design Agency www.codal.com