Using Less Color For More Cohesive Design
Within the world of visual design, there are many different rules regarding the use of color and how it should be applied. This is called ‘Color Theory’ and it influences most decisions within the world of design. The theory conveys feelings for each color and suggests the emotion the color will bring to the user. For example, blue gives off feelings of calm, trust, and stability. While white conveys a simple and sterile emotion. It is always smart to understand the feelings associated with your color palette. This is so you are appealing to the user you intend to, and because in certain cultures these colors mean different things.
When designing a product you are tasked with deciding how many colors to incorporate into the design. This can be a challenge with multiple colors because there needs to be a certain amount of contrast between each of them. An easier color scheme to deploy is one that is ‘monochromatic’. This is a theme using different variations of one color. The ‘hue’ is the main color of choice, while shades are the addition of black, and tints the addition of white. Now unlike other color schemes, this design will have no accent colors to contrast with the prominent hue, rather white and black will serve as the contrasting color elements.
One major benefit of using a monochromatic color scheme is that you can be completely sure of the emotion received by the user. For example, the color blue dominates the medical industry. This is because it insinuates trust and stability. With this knowledge under your belt, you can now comfortably design the product knowing it will be properly received by your users.
Another benefit to the monochromatic color scheme is the visual hierarchy it provides. You can use the deeper more saturated shades to guide the user’s focal point, eliminating issues with information architecture.
Having a monochromatic color scheme also helps with the branding and recognition of your product. Deciding on one prominent hue to define your brand can simplify many aspects of the product design. Try creating a monochromatic theme for your next project, and learn something new while gaining an appreciation for its simplicity.