Web Design and Colour Psychology: A Fascinating Relationship

Chelsea Oliver | September 23, 2014

Colour psychology is defined as the study of colour as a determinant of human behaviour. While at first the concept may seem strange, consider closely how you feel about colours – certainly there are ones you like, dislike and maybe even hate. It plays an important role in human perception and, as such, an equally vital part in web design.

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The goal of many small business websites is to influence the decision making process of the visitor, or potential customer. Many individuals attach emotion to colour and, as such, it can be used to invoke favourable reactions. The following colours, and their meanings, will help you design a website that portrays your business and influences users effectively.

Blue

One of the most popular primary colours for websites of all kinds, blue denotes trustworthiness, security, confidence and friendliness. Ideal for corporate companies and businesses dealing in money, lighter shades are also great for more social destinations on the Web.

Red

Hot and fiery, red is a bold primary colour that stimulates, activates and conveys strength and aggression. Use it if you’d like your website to portray power or a sense of excitement. Deeper shades appeal to older audiences and it makes a great accent colour for important design elements.

Purple

A secondary colour often associated with regality, purple embodies the notions of dignity, abundance and wealth. Also a nod to creativity and wisdom, it suits a luxury brand just perfectly. Created by mixing red and blue, varying shades can also portray the former’s passion and the latter’s stability.

Green

Another popular secondary colour, green is both calming and invigorating. A great way to represent balance in web design, it connotes stability, friendliness and earthiness. A colour that’s popular with both men and women, it’s perfect for environmental businesses.

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Yellow

Perhaps the brightest primary colour, yellow is energizing, stimulating and warm. Ideal for giving an impression of happiness, pale shades are great for websites and businesses geared towards children. Yellow’s optimism is contagious.

Orange

Vibrant and inviting, orange is an energetic secondary colour that doesn’t overpower. It’s a great choice for movement in designs and for giving a balanced, friendly impression to a site. Another option that appeals to the younger generation, orange is an excellent choice for sites promoting children’s goods, entertainment and art.

Brown

Down to earth, brown can be overlooked in the web design world. Light brown is calming while shades of tan and beige have a conservative, boring reputation. Dark brown, wholesome and down to earth, appeals to older folks and represents reliability and honesty. Brown is ideal as a background colour.

Monochromatic

The monochromatic colours black, grey and white are commonly used as backgrounds in web design, paired with brighter accent colours. Black is seen as powerful and sophisticated, while shades of grey are, similar to light brown, calming and neutral. White implies purity, simplicity, openness and hopefulness.

According to Web Page FX, 84.7 percent of consumers site colour as a primary motivator in buying a certain product and 80% believe that colour increases brand recognition. An incredibly useful tool for conveying your business in just the right light, upping conversion rates and more, colour psychology is worth looking into.

Sources: Wix, Red Website Design, Social Media Week

Image Credits: tribal spirit 2 by Cheryl, color by Justin Belcher, CC License

Category: Creative & Design, Digital Culture