Colour and Design for web pages

Colour feeds our senses as it surrounds us in our colourful world. 

Our bodies are so intune with colour that our moods are influenced by certain colours.

Some colours are stimulating, others calming.

The web is a perfect example of how colour affects our choices.

• Some colours are 'selling' colours, some are 'serious' colours.
• Kids' sites need bright, primary colours to appeal to children's lively imaginations.
• A law firm needs to project a stable, reliable image, so more staid colours are required.

Cultural influences

Colours mean different things in different cultures. Cetain colours evoke responses in website visitors according to their cultural backgrounds.

White is a funeral colour in some Eastern cultures, red a wedding colour in India, while red is a symbol of oppression if you are from one of the previosly communist dominated eastern block countries of Europe.

Shades, tints and tones

• Bright values of colours are dynamic, stimulating.
• Deep shades are dignified, greyed tones are subdued.
• Pastel or tints are gentle and romantic.
• Metallic colours, gold or silver, convey luxury and opulence.

Discover some simple suggestions about using certain colours on web pages, from the links in the menu at left.