The Process of Choosing Colors for Your web design

Choosing the right colors for a web design can be an involved process because colors have an effect on the way people think and perceive things. The meaning of the colors you choose for your web design can affect the way in which your audience interacts with your online presence. So when you are choosing colors the following questions can be asked: What is the psychological meaning of the colors you choose? Are they bright and colorful? Or subdued and royal? Does it inspire trust with your customers and enforce the message of your brand? Here are a few tips on how to portray yourself effectively to the world using Color.

1. The Rule of Thirds

The average number of colors to choose for a website design is three. We recommend you stick to the rule of thirds whereby you choose 3 different colors and use them consistently throughout your website. Less is more in this case because too many colors can make a website design look cluttered and unprofessional. It is also a great idea to employ more vivid colors to grab attention. Meaning that using color in just the right spots will actually aid in call-to-actions and highlight what you want your visitors to respond to.

2. Contrast is King

For optimum readability create a strong contrast between the page’s Background and text. If the standard black text on a white background is too boring for you, consider using darker background colors such as black, dark grey or navy blue with white text. Alternatively lighter backgrounds with darkly colored text also work well. Note that e-commerce website designs that contain a lot of pictures and product information are usually plainer in color applications. The reason for this is to keep the products at the center of attention without distracting your website visitors with too many colors.

3. Testing 1,2,3

Many color schemes can be used for your web design – from complimentary sets to analogous colors or even triadic color combinations (triadic refers to three colors equally spaced around the color wheel). There is no hard and fast rule for what can be considered the best color to use for any web element. Action buttons, for example, do not necessarily have to be red to be seen (a common misconception). It is up to you to explore the various options visually and test-drive different themes for your website design. In CMS-based websites like WordPress, themes are interchangeable and often created with color schemes already in place. Test, and test again until you can settle on the final perfect choice.

4. Create a Harmonious Unity

Color is merely one of the elements of your website. As the human brain distinguishes visual interest by filtering the different forms created on a page, the objective would be to employ color harmonies with the visual elements and text on your web pages that create a visual whole. Color harmonies can be various tones of the same colors, subtle color borders etc. The point is to get it all to work well together with whatever else you have displayed on your website.

5. Don’t Forget White

Because of its primary use as background color, white is often overlooked as a design option. As with most well-designed websites today, plenty of white space can give a feeling of freedom and inspire a sense of spaciousness.

In conclusion, the internet is a colorful place. A lot can be said about the optimal use of color and the few points above are just a taste of what colors can do for your business on the World Wide Web. Are you planning on building a new website? We can help with more on How to Design a Website? Web Design Concepts, Trends and First Steps. As a graphic design agency Zapro Digital can help you put together a website by using color in the right way, at the right time, with the right audience, and for the right purpose.