Color theory is a foundational principle of visual design that helps designers make strategic color choices to influence perception and emotion.
The Basics of Color Theory
- Primary Colors – Red, Blue, Yellow
- Secondary Colors – Orange, Green, Purple (formed by mixing primaries)
- Tertiary Colors – Mix of primary and secondary hues
The Color Wheel & Harmony
The color wheel helps identify harmonious color combinations:
- Complementary (opposite colors): Blue & Orange
- Analogous (next to each other): Red, Orange, Yellow
- Triadic (evenly spaced): Red, Yellow, Blue
Psychological Impact of Colors
- Red: Passion, urgency
- Blue: Trust, calm
- Green: Nature, growth
- Yellow: Optimism, attention
- Purple: Luxury, creativity
- Black: Elegance, mystery
Why Color Theory Matters in UX/UI
Using the right colors improves user experience, creates visual hierarchy, and supports brand identity. It also helps guide users through actions—like using red for errors or green for success.