Color in Web Design
Color in Web design is learning how to separate the “artistic” from “technical”. “Artistic” point of view is all about usage of color so as to provoke the viewer to associate the site with its context more easily. Whereas “technical” should deal with the diversity of platforms, operating systems, browsers, and system colors (8,16,24-32 bit) Internet users have on their computers - namely the web safe palette and why I chose not to use it any more.
“Technical”
For a long time there was a rule of so called web safe palette. It was in fact a palette of 216 colors, which were interpreted the same way by all platforms - or rather, the cross - Netscape Navigator - Internet Explorer - Windows - Macintosh - 8-bit - palette. This meant that web designers were limited by (now a very small portion of) users, which had 8-bit palette (256 colors) on their systems. However, in the last couple of years, statistics have drastically changed. According to recent studies performed in July 2003 more than 95% of Internet users had at least 16-bit (65536 colors) system palette. The same source puts Internet Explorer 6.x in the first place with 59% of users (last year it was 40%), with the percentage likely to increase rapidly since there are 34% of IE 5.x users who will eventually upgrade. Monopoly can never be a good thing but on the plus side this can make browser developers standardize their products so they can show the pages exactly the same way. If you take Opera for example, you will notice that their 7.x version is better standardized, in fact there is only one fault I noticed: JavaScript pop-up menus generated in Fireworks lose their customization. Other than that pages look exactly the same as in IE 6.x. And the trend will continue with other browsers (if they want to stay in the market).
“Artistic”
“Almost 40% of Americans will change car brands if they can’t get the color of their choice” - this is a statement from The Institute for Color Research and it demonstrates the dominant role that color plays in influencing potential customers!
My firm belief is that knowing basic color theory is essential in enhancing my ability to use color successfully in web design. I found an excellent online resource that provides expert information not only regarding color use on the web but in a variety of commercial settings. It is one of the best online color theory resources I have seen to date. You must visit colormatters.com. Not only it is a fine resource but it also provides links to other sources of expert information on the use of color in graphic and web design.
There are several different types of color combinations that are briefly described below:
Monochromatic color scheme uses a single color. Differing values of the chosen color can be used to create the feel of different colors. Monochromatic color schemes are harmonious and peaceful. Using a single color creates unity and can help to create or tie things together.
Analogous color combinations use colors that are related, but not the same, to create visually appealing schemes. A selection of blues and purples, or reds and oranges create an analogous color scheme. Two or more colors can be used in an analogous color scheme however; one color is often used as a dominant while others are used as accents.
Contrasting colors are complimentary and pleasing to the eye. colors that are opposites create contrasting schemes. For instance, yellow and purple or red and green are in contrast to one another. Contrasting color schemes generally use a warm color and a cool color but it isn’t necessary to use the startling and obvious combinations, like blue and orange.
