Exploring the Use of Green in Web Design: Impacts and Considerations

When we first see the color green we think of Life. Green means growing, health, renewal and environment. Others will view green as envious, jealousy and inexperience. A bright or light green can give off a fresh and spring time feeling while darker olive greens bring on thoughts of army uniforms and the military. Green can have a calming effect. In a home design, plants are often used to bring green into the surroundings.

Some colors are known as warm colors such as red, yellow and orange. Green, along with blue are considered cool colors and symbolize spring-like green growth and cool blue water. The color green is thought to bring a feeling of tranquillity and is also known for its good luck. Research has shown that the color green can actually improve a students reading ability. When a transparent green sheet is placed over reading text it will increase the readers speed and comprehension. It may be because of a calming and relaxed state that the color of green puts us in. Many television shows will sit waiting guests in a "Green room" to relax and relieve their stress. Many nurses and hospital workers will wear a pale green to soothe their patients.

Understanding the Impact of the Color Black in Web Design

The color black says formal and mysterious. Black is actually the total absence of any color. Sometimes black is thought of with fear and was used when costuming the "bad guys" in old western movies. Later black represented strength and authority with our movie heroes wearing black. Black is considered formal and elegant. When wearing black you appear thinner, conservative and powerful. This color alone can represent mourning and death. It is often thought of as the color of rebellion.

Other colors used against black make them appear brighter. When adding red, orange or yellow with black, these give the feeling of power and strength. Almost all websites use the color black. Most will have black text and others will incorporate black in it is logo and design. Knowing that colors can effect our mood can help us select the right colors for our webpages. Taking into consideration who you are trying to attract to your website will help you when choosing colors. Black in the United States will be associated with death while in China it is associated with happiness. Adding other colors will help change this mood and give the feeling you are after for your site.

Using Bright Colors Effectively in Web Design: Tips for a Visually Appealing Site

Web sites often use bright colors to attract attention but is there such thing as too much of a good thing? Yes! Too many bright colors on a website is not only distracting but can make it difficult to read. Triad and complimentary colors can give you the brightness you are looking for but should be used sparingly to achieve the best goal. Often when a first time web designer wants a bright page, they will choose all of the bright colors but this is not the best method if you want visitors to keep your page open for very long.

There are several ways to get the effect of bright colors on your website while still keeping the page appealing. Contrasting colors such as red and green or blue and orange will appear brighter when placed near each other. These colors are found opposite each other on the color wheel and are known as complimentary colors. Using as few as two or three colors on your webpage will make your page more appealing while still keeping it bright. Another method to a bright page is using triad colors. These can be found by forming a triangle over the color wheel. This will help you select three colors that are an equal distance apart on the wheel. A color combination such as red, yellow and blue will give you the brightness you are looking for.

Color Theory in Web Design: Unlocking the Power of Perception and Engagement

What does color theory have to do with web design? The answer is huge—much more than the casual browser might imagine. Sometimes, the smallest adjustment can make a significant difference. For example, the color of the landing page might seem like a small matter, but research seems to indicate it can be a game-changer in the most unexpected ways.

With so many online sites to visit, the average reader often spends fewer than 15 seconds scanning a new page. In fact, holding someone's attention for 30-45 seconds is considered quite successful. During that brief time, the reader will decide whether to delve deeper into the website's links and offers or to “bounce” off to another location. Once gone, the opportunity to influence that consumer is lost, perhaps permanently.

Here is where color theory enters the picture. Research seems to show that the more quickly the site appears to download, the more tempted the reader will be to stay a few seconds more. Also, it appears that using relaxing landing page colors can actually quicken the perceived download time. Although the download is not actually happening any faster, except in the mind of the beholder, that sense of quickness can translate into increased positive feelings about the site and lingering there a little longer.

How does color alter time perception? Color theory describes three dimensions or attributes that can be manipulated to create relaxation on the part of the viewer and a false perception of the site download process.

Choosing the Perfect Color Scheme for Your Web Page - Enhance Your Site's Appeal

How do you choose a color scheme for your web page? Most computer users will start with a basic color. If you have a logo you may want to use one of the existing colors within your logo. If you have a title or header already designed you can select a color from within this design. This will help blend your page together and can often give a more professional look to your site.

Using a color scheme selector can help you choose the right colors for your website and give you the look you are seeking. To use a color selector you will first need a basic color to start with. For an example, lets say that part of your logo is blue and you think a blue webpage will work well for your type of business. A selector will give you the option to choose a complementary color, analogic colors, monochromatic or contrasting, among others.