Aimee Carver Moorhouse

Using Colour in UX/UI Design

Date

Drawing insights from Soegaard, M. (2023, September 29), my research shows the significance of color theory as a foundational framework in understanding and utilising color in UI design.

Recognising the importance of colour in digital design, I explored the Interaction Design Foundation Blog for insights on color symbolism (IxDF, 2021, November 4). The blog highlighted colour as a powerful tool for evoking emotions, expressing thoughts, and persuading users. Delving into colour choices during design allows for the communication of meanings, influencing decisions, and shaping user emotions to resonate with the target audience.

While acknowledging the potential limitations in the scientific basis of color theory, I sought context for brand color choices. To inform my own color palette decisions, I designed a Google form with tailored questions specific to my project. Collecting opinions from a small focus group provided valuable insights into how certain colors carry varied connotations, especially within marketing. The pie charts derived from the data indicate a preference for a blue-toned color palette, suggesting a promising avenue for exploration.

This section of my project development highlighted the dynamic role of color theory in UI design, emphasising both historical foundations and contemporary applicationsThe incorporation of user feedback via focus groups, as well as the analysis of colour associations, highlighted the specifics of colour perception. This hands-on approach to colour palette selection not only conforms to design principles, but also demonstrates the importance of user-centric considerations in developing visually engaging and resonant interfaces.

Reflection:

Description:
In my exploration of UI design and color theory, I drew insights from Soegaard’s research, recognising color theory’s significance in understanding and utilising color (Soegaard, 2023). To delve deeper, I consulted the Interaction Design Foundation Blog for insights on color symbolism, revealing its power in evoking emotions and influencing user decisions (IxDF, 2021).

Feelings:
This phase prompted me to appreciate the emotional and persuasive potential of color choices in UI design. Understanding color’s impact on user emotions and decisions heightened my awareness of its role in creating engaging interfaces.

Evaluation:
Acknowledging potential limitations in the scientific basis of color theory, I sought context for brand color choices. To inform my project, I designed a Google form and collected opinions from a focus group. The subsequent pie charts indicating a preference for a blue-toned palette suggested a promising direction.

Analysis:
This step highlighted the dynamic role of colour theory in connecting past traditions and contemporary applications. The incorporation of user feedback and the analysis of colour associations underscored the specifics of colour perception, informing my approach to palette selection.

Conclusion:
This reflective journey highlighted the intricate relationship between colour theory and UI design, emphasising both historical principles and contemporary user-centric considerations. The preference for a blue-toned palette, informed by user feedback, offers an area for exploration.

Action Plan:
Moving forward, I aim to integrate these insights into my UI design process, leveraging color theory to create visually engaging interfaces. This experience reinforces the importance of user-centric considerations and hands-on approaches in the design decision-making process.


References

Soegaard, M. (2023, September 29). UI Color Palette 2023: Best Practices, Tips, and Tricks for Designers. Interaction Design Foundation – IxDF. https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/ui-color-palette (Accessed: 04 January 2024).

What is color symbolism? (2023) The Interaction Design Foundation. Available at: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/color-symbolism (Accessed: 06 January 2024).

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