Colour Schemes in Web Design

Synonymous with Samba football flair, this splendid combination of bright yellow and shades of evil green symbolises all things Brazilian, radiating warmth and earthiness. The sheer vibrancy would warrant a second glance from even the most soccer oblivious masses.The minuscule fact that they play attractive football certainly adds to the charisma. No wonder, the beaming Brazil kit is the best selling jersey in FIFA history.

Colours or ‘visual manifestations of variation in light’ have a compelling effect on the viewer in subtle yet evident ways. We relate visual appearances of hues and textures to our everyday experiences and thus form a psychological perception that connects numerous colours to corresponding emotions. This, like any other observations in history, led to formation of the principle of colour theory. This theory basically explains how the visual effect of colours and states norms and guidelines to colour mixing. Colours primitively can be divided into Primary (RYB), Secondary and Tertiary colours. Tertiary colours can be made by a combination of three colours (Primary and Secondary) while Secondary colours are procured by a juxtaposition of two Primary colours. Primary colours meanwhile cannot be obtained by any combination of colours.

The Colour Wheel, first noticed by us at Class 2 ‘primary’ school, is one of the standard methods to grasp the concept of colour combinations and relations. Originally devised by Isaac Newton, the Colour Wheel namely consists of primary colours at three equidistant points, coupled with secondary and tertiary colours placed in correspondence to their wavelengths. It helps us to distinguish between warm colours (shades of Red to Yellow) and cool colours (Green to Blue), but more essentially helps us to create colour schemes and harmonies.

Colour Schemes are theoretically the choice of colours in blend with each other in design to generate appeal and add flair to it. It is analogous to a template which is used in web designing. Few of the popular colour schemes would be

MonochromaticUse of a single colour as the crux, along with its shades, tints, variation in saturation amongst others forms a monochromatic scheme. Essentially the same colour, monochromes are pleasing to the eye and appear elegant, inducing a ‘clean’ effect.

AnalogousUse of two or three adjacent colours on the Colour Wheel, with the Primary or Secondary tending to be the dominant shade generates the Analogous scheme. It leads to better vibrancy and contrast relatively. If used perfectly, it should create an attractive harmonious scheme.

ComplimentaryThe name says it all. Mash two colours opposite each other in the colour wheel (warm and cool works best) and you have a colour scheme which contrasts like no other. However, the colours in question should suit each other hand in glove or it would lead to a contrasting amalgamated mess. Beware, complimentary colour scheme double up as a double-edged sword.

TriadFine tuning the previous scheme, the Triadic colour scheme utilises three colours of the Wheel located at three equidistant points equally spaced around it. Popular amongst designers, it provides balance and smooth change in contrast throughout the page as opposed to the Complementary scheme’s glaring display. Best of both worlds, we say.

Colour schemes are in essence the various permutations and combinations by which numerous colours can be represented in a single display. You can always create custom schemes of your own choosing. Although the selection of colours from the Wheel and its appellation theoretically may seem like child’s play, it’s difficult to recreate a scheme which is aesthetically pleasant.