Color Harmony : Choosing the best combination of colors for design
Color is the element that communicates the identity, impression and message behind the visual and psychological design.
Choosing, mixing, and combining colors for the design interface is not difficult but also not an easy thing.
According to Bleicher (2011) Theory, there are five major color schemes (and some combinations and variants of this scheme) which are the main foundations of designers to create harmony in design:
1. Monochromatic (1-Color)
In theory, this is the simplest scheme. Monochromatic schemes are usually used in minimalist design because we use only one color to visualize information in our User Interface (simplicity).
2. Complementary (2-Colors)
Complementary colors are a technique of combining 2 opposite colors, so the two colors will look in contrast to each other.
3. Analogous Color (3-Colors)
These colors are colors arranged side by side with each other that refers to the Color Wheel.
4. Triadic (3-Colors)
This color scheme is based on the use of three colors at the same distance from each other on the Color wheel. The easiest way to find a triad scheme is to put an equilateral triangle on the Color wheel so that each corner touches one color. All three colors will be exactly 120° to each other so as to provide a high level of visual contrast.
5. Tetradic (4-Colors)
This color scheme consists of two sets of complementary colors (four colors). This scheme can create varied and interesting Visualizations. However, it requires special treatment to create a balanced color blend. We should choose one main color that we will make as the dominant color.
6. Square (A Variant of Tetradic)
This color scheme is similar to the tetradic color scheme. The difference is the distance between each of the same colors forming a 90-degree square. The square color scheme is also the most complex and diverse color scheme.
Conclusion:
Color is an important element in a design. Choosing the right colors will create a good design, eye-catching, delivered messages, and will also affect the psychological user.
References:
- Color Scheme generator: http://paletton.com
- Color Theory: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/recalling-color-theory-keywords-a-way-to-refresh-your-memories
