Colors in user interface design

Color is a powerful tool that, if used correctly, can make a significant contribution to creating friendlier and more inclusive interfaces. Although colors are ubiquitous in our lives, we rarely wonder exactly how our eyes interpret and process light to give us a sense of diverse colors. Why do we see colors the way we see them, and why is this so important? The answers to these questions show us not only the complexity of human vision, but also the influence of colors on our everyday experiences and emotions. 

How do we see colors?

Colors have always accompanied us. Even in childhood, we know that in the dark, colors disappear, and after the rain, a beautiful, colorful rainbow appears. Color vision requires light, which is a wave.

When we look at a blue card, we actually see a color that is the result of how light bounces off its surface. The light source is like a collective mixture of all light waves, but the sheet selectively reflects this one wave with the length corresponding to the blue color. When this particular wave hits the eye, the cones located on the retina respond to this wave by generating electrical impulses. Each type of cone is sensitive to different wavelengths, which means that they respond differently to light of different colors.

These electrical impulses are then transmitted through the optic nerves to various areas of the brain, such as the visual cortex, where they are processed. The brain analyzes the patterns of these impulses, compares them with previous experiences and color patterns that were acquired and developed throughout life.

Based on these patterns and the neural relationships that are formed by the experience of color perception, the brain assigns the correct colors to the received electrical signals. In other words, based on the information transmitted by the suppositories, as well as previous experience and training, the brain decides which colors to assign to visible objects and the environment. This process is subjective in nature and is closely related to the individual experience, life habits and perceptual preferences of each person. So the fact remains that each of us sees them differently. Understanding this process, in turn, will allow you to better understand the perception of colors and the psychological aspects of colors. But more on that later. Now let's think about it…

.. How do monitors and smartphones display colors?

The RGB system, or red, green and blue, is the basis of this technology, which it is based on the receiving properties of the human eye. A computer or smartphone screen is a device that emits light. The paper, cardboard, and print we see on them don't glow. Whether we see them and what color we see them in depends on the reflected light. Almost all color displays available on the market, regardless of the technology in which they were manufactured, work on a similar principle. Depending on the supported resolution, they consist of several hundred thousand to several million pixels that are responsible for displaying a single point on the screen. Each pixel, in turn, consists of three subpixels, each of which is responsible for displaying one color from the RGB palette-red, green, or blue. Proper mixing of the three colors obtained from subpixels allows you to generate a pixel color. By controlling the light intensity in these three colors, the screen can display the full range of colors you see on the screen.

How do different colors affect users ' emotions and behavior?

Colors have psychological and symbolic meanings, so it is important to understand what emotions and associations they evoke in users before making a decision about choosing colors.

For example, warm colors such as red or orange are stimulating and energizing, but they can cause anxiety in excess. In turn, cool colors like blue or green are soothing and relaxing, although prolonged observation of them can lead to reduced energy and drowsiness.

It is also important to consider the cultural context, biological conditions, and innate color preferences. In the West, white often symbolizes purity, while in some Eastern cultures it is associated with mourning. Theories of evolutionary psychology suggest that humans have innate color preferences related to survival, for example, the color yellow can be attractive because it often denotes ripe fruits that are a food source. Curiously, in the nineteenth century, green was considered the color of poison, known as Scheele green.

Although our associations with colors are very individual, the hues themselves and their hues share some common properties that affect all of us equally.

Using color psychology, you can give your design a certain mood, but it is important that the selected colors convey the appropriate message on a subconscious level and meet the expectations of the target recipient.

How to achieve consistency and color harmony?

Colors are very important in design, so at the beginning of the project, you should determine the main color characteristics that meet the standards of color perception. Identifying your potential audience and design features is the first step to creating a harmonious color system. Consistent and harmonious interfaces make it easier to navigate and understand the information presented.

Here are some ways to achieve color consistency::

• Apply a color palette: Select a basic color palette and apply it consistently throughout the interface. Tools like Adobe Color or Coolors can be useful. The palette should contain primary colors for various sections and interactive elements, as well as auxiliary colors. Don't overdo it - use 5±2 colors optimally in accordance with the cognitive load principle. Test different color options to find the best palette. Beware of intense colors that can tire your eyes. If a company has its own visual identity, stick to its color scheme.
• Enable contrast: Provide the right contrast between the text and the background so that the text is readable for all users. Avoid patterned backgrounds that can make it difficult to read. Use contrast to highlight interactive elements, such as buttons. Keep in mind, however, that colors that are too contrasting, such as yellow and black, can tire your eyes, although they are sometimes used intentionally.
• Color consistency: Assign specific colors to specific content types or features, such as one color for links and another for headlines. Avoid over-mixing different color palettes, which can confuse users. Optimally, choose a moderate number of colors to highlight the various interface elements while maintaining harmony and legibility.
• Consistency Check: Regularly check color consistency on different devices and in different lighting conditions to make sure that the colors look as intended. Test different color variations on the website example to evaluate what experience a particular message evokes.

The topics covered in this article are important not only for web designers, but also for anyone who runs a business or deals with colors in their work. Understanding the principles of color schemes and the ability to create consistent and harmonious color juxtapositions can significantly affect the reception of information provided by users, which can directly affect the effectiveness of communication and the quality of customer service.

The services and applications discussed in this article may be useful for designers when choosing colors, but they will not replace the need to conduct real-world tests with users that are the right indicator of user-friendliness.