How Do You Choose Your Color Schemes?

Notes

Color is one of the design topics that concern me most. It’s a powerful tool when it comes to create identity systems. But as it’s so often the case with power, it has to be used responsibly. A good color scheme can enhance your key message but a bad one will ruin all your hard work. So how do I choose a color scheme?

Step no. 1

I don’t do it until I have decided what I want to achieve with it.

Step no. 2

I choose one basic color or if I want to create a strong contrast I choose two but no more than that.

Step no. 3

I go for one of the seven possible color schemes: achromatic, analogous, clash, complementary, monochromatic, neutral, and split complementary.

Step no. 4

I refine the color scheme to suit legibility and aesthetic requirements.

By following these four steps, I make sure that my colors send the right message, are attractive and meet my users’ needs at the same time.

Would you like to share your own process for creating color schemes?

That's Great!