OUGD404 - Design Principles : Colour Theory 2

During this session we were asked to write down 10 burning questions we had about colour theory. I found this very hard and could not come up with the full 10. The questions I did have were:

1. Why do colours force out their complimentary colours?
2. Why does our brain/eyes create a colour when it is absent?
3. How do you balance a colour?
4. Why does black allow us to see flat colours but when it is taken away we see gradients?
5. If everyone sees colour differently does that mean people perceive contrast differently?
6. How many colours should you use in design?

After coming up with these questions we were put into groups and ask to compile a list of 5 questions which were the most common.

1. Why do colours force out complimentary colours?
2. What is the simplest way to balance colour?
3. Is it always a case of contrast of tone and hue working together?
4. How many colours can one use?
5. If everyone perceives colour in different ways does this mean that we perceive contrast differently?

As part of the session we had to swap our questions with another group and answer their questions. We were given :

1. How can colour assist hierarchy in text?
2. What are the maximum or Minimum amounts of colour one can use in design?
3. How can I apply rules such as temperature towards my design?
4. What colours appeal to different audiences and what are the connotations?
5. What is the best colour combination for body copy?

We divided the questions up in order for each of us to carry out an in-depth investigation into each question.

I answered :

4. What colours appeal to different audiences and what are the connotations?

To start this I did a simple google search into which colours appealed to men and women. My findings were;

Blue is a favourite colour of both men and women of all ages. While men have a stronger preference for blue than women, it's still a top choice. It may be the calming effect of the colour blue that makes it a popular colour for both men and women.

Mother nature is Green and she's a female. A favoured colour of both men and women the colour green is cool, restful and signifies growth, renewal, health and environment.

Purple stands out as a feminine colour because it is chosen almost exclusively by women as a favourite colour and strongly disliked by men. Traditionally associated with royalty the colour purple is also spiritual, romantic and mysterious.

The colour Pink and women is more likely a cultural association than a strong preference. When it comes time to attract the opposite sex the colour pink is a safe bet for women. It is flattering and also makes them appear vulnerable to men and this brings out the males protective nature. Women who do not want to seem attractive to men could choose to wear Red.

Lavender evokes feelings of nostalgia or romance for women. Women prefer soft colours which include soft shades of pink, lavender and other pastels.

I think that the connotations of colour is a very interesting topic to look into. The fact that the colour green is associated with the earth and therefore has a calming effect and appeals to both males and females is very surprising.