{"id":4467,"date":"2018-03-06T16:11:51","date_gmt":"2018-03-06T13:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tubikstudio.com\/?p=4467"},"modified":"2023-07-24T11:50:11","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T11:50:11","slug":"bright-colors-in-ui-design-strong-weak-sides","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tubikstudio.com\/blog\/bright-colors-in-ui-design-strong-weak-sides\/","title":{"rendered":"Bright Colors in UI Design: Strong and Weak Sides"},"content":{"rendered":"

The skill of applying colors effectively is a must-have for everyone who works with visual compositions including illustrators and UI designers. Color theory<\/a> knowledge became even more prominent with the growing popularity of flat and material design directions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vibrant colors and gradients are now seen in user interfaces of different digital products: from the playful and entertaining ones to business apps and websites. However, there are still lots of discussions about the impact bright colors have on user experience. The article provides an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of colorful UI.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"creative<\/p>\n

How can bright colors enhance UI?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Increased readability and legibility<\/span><\/h3>\n

In one of our previous articles, we described factors influencing the choice of color scheme<\/a>. Readability<\/a> and legibility are basic factors which designers consider applying colors. Just to remind, readability stands for how easily people read copy content and legibility defines how quickly users distinguish the letters in a particular typeface.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vibrant colors enable enough contrast helping to increase readability and legibility. Due to contrast layout elements become distinguishable and noticeable. However, a high level of color contrast may not always work well. If copy content and the background colors contrast too much, it will be difficult to read or scan the text. That\u2019s why designers are recommended to create a mild level of contrast and apply high contrasting colors only for highlighting elements.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sharpening navigation and enhancing intuitive interaction<\/span><\/h3>\n

Visual hierarchy<\/a> is a core element for clear navigation<\/a>\u00a0and intuitive interaction system of any digital product. UI components are organized that way so the brain could distinguish the objects by their physical differences including color.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colors have their own hierarchy which is defined by the power of impact on users\u2019 minds<\/a>. There are bold colors such as red and orange as well as the weak ones like white and cream. Bright colors are easy to notice so designers often use them as the means of highlighting or setting contrast. Moreover, applying one color to several elements you can show that they are somehow connected. For example, you can choose a red color for purchase buttons so that people could intuitively find them when they need it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recognizability<\/span><\/h3>\n

The human brain reacts intensively to bold colors the reason why bright color combinations can be easily noticed and memorized. Colorful UI design has great chances to stand out from the crowd among many products with weak colors. The choice needs to be based both on the preferences of the target audience and market research.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moreover, if a company has bright corporate colors applied to the logo<\/a> and branded items<\/a>, it can be a good idea to use the colors on its website or mobile app. This way the design creates consistency of visual solutions connecting all the company\u2019s communication channels as well as increases brand awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Setting mood and atmosphere<\/span><\/h3>\n

To convey the right tone, message, and call users to make the expected action, designers need to know that colors can influence our mood and behavior. Our mind reacts to colors while we usually do not notice it. The study called color psychology<\/a> states that the moment our eyes perceive color, the brain gives signals to the endocrine system releasing hormones responsible for the shifts of emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The properly selected colors help put users in the frame of mind that compels them to take action as well as set the right atmosphere transferring the right message to users. For example, if a designer creates a UI of a product connected with nature or gardening, there are high chances you will see it in the green and blue color palette. This way the design would be associated with a type of product or service from the first sight. You can find the description of color meanings in our article Color in Design: Influence on Users\u2019 Actions.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Trendy look and style<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bright colors and gradients hold their position of top trends in UI design<\/a>. Now they can be found in different types of digital products and the limitations of strict business style seem to step aside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bright gradient colors in user interfaces can bring the feeling of modernized technology and fresh ideas. A mobile app or website designed according to the latest trends often looks catchy and can draw users\u2019 attention despite high competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"business<\/p>\n

Pitfalls of using bright colors in UI<\/span><\/h2>\n

Bright colors can be tough to match<\/span><\/h3>\n

Those who think that colors can be mixed relying only on intuition and taste of beauty make a big mistake. The basic knowledge of how colors work and how do they collaborate is essential if you want to create harmonical visual compositions.<\/span><\/p>\n

The more vibrant colors you apply in UI, the more difficult it becomes to match them. To make users feel pleased and comfortable, designers try to bring balance and harmony into user interface design. The color harmony is about the arrangement of the colors in design most attractively and effectively for users\u2019 perception. Harmonic color combinations contribute to a nice first impression from the website or application. The color theory<\/a> defines several basic color schemes that were proven to work efficiently. Let\u2019s see what they are.<\/span><\/p>\n