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Copyright
(c) 2000 by Joanne Glasspoole
When you begin the design of your Web site, one of the
first things you need to do is decide on a color scheme.
Although choosing colors seems like a relatively easy
proposition, it's not easy at all. In fact, it's hard.
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One of the pluses we have as Web designers is that millions
of colors are at our disposal. Unlike the print world,
we do not have to pay for each color we use. If we want
to use a specific hue of yellow, for example, all we
need to know is the hexadecimal code for that particular
color.
One of the pitfalls of having millions of colors to
pick from is that some people go crazy and use every
color imaginable on their Web site. This is a big no-no.
Not only does it look unprofessional to use 20 different
colors on your home page, but depending on the colors
you choose, your page may not be readable.
It is extremely important to pick hues that complement
each other. You will want to use a background color
that contrasts well with the color of your text. People
are used to reading black text on a white background.
I keep this fact in mind when I design my clients' Web
sites. Although I have never stuck with the black and
white color scheme, I try to use a dark font on a light
background. It makes for easier reading and a more pleasant
experience for my visitors.
Color affects our emotions. For example, the color red
makes us hungry. If you're on a diet, it wouldn't be
a good idea to set your table with a red tablecloth!
Colors like blue and green are cool. Have you noticed
in the summertime how sitting in a blue room automatically
makes you feel refreshed?
Yellow is a wonderful brightener. It is cheerful and
warm--like the sun.
When using colors on your Web site, you need to consider
the mood you want to create and the audience you are
designing for.
If you are designing a Web site for children, red is
an excellent color choice, because it attracts the eye
and stimulates our metabolism. Red is cheerful and exuberant.
Blue is an excellent choice for a business site because
it exudes professionalism, wealth and power.
If you are designing a Web site for a nature group,
greens and browns are natural choices because they are
colors that are commonly found in the outdoors.
Another important consideration when choosing color
schemes is cultural differences. For example, black
is the color most commonly associated with mourning
in the United States, but in Japan, white symbolizes
sorrow. In Malaysia, green is associated with disease,
and red symbolizes anger in Indonesia. As you can see
by just these three examples, color is interpreted quite
differently depending on the country. You must be careful
if you don't want to insult your visitors.
Choosing an appropriate color scheme for your Web site
is extremely important. Your color scheme must be carefully
considered because the wrong choices could adversely
affect your visitor's experience at your Web site. You
only have one chance to make a good impression. Don't
blow it!
The Color Schemer
http://www.godigitalstudios.com/www/color
Clear Ink's Palette Man
http://www.paletteman.com/
Project Cool Developer Zone
http://www.projectcool.com/developer/reference/color-chart.html
VisiBone Web Design Color References
http://www.visibone.com/color/
-----------------
Copyright (c) 2000 by Joanne Glasspoole. Joanne Glasspoole
is the editor/publisher of CYBER QUEST. Each issue is
jam packed with original reports, news briefs, cool
Webmaster tools, and more. To subscribe, send email
to mailto:Majordomo@lists.kdv.com with "subscribe cyberquest" in the body of your message.
Visit Joanne's web site at http://www.glasspoole.com
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