Using colors to create certain effects
has long applied in the world of design – artists, interior decorators,
advertisers, brand managers. Our knowledge of the psychology behind different
colors continues to grow, but it is now an accepted fact that different colors
elicit different moods, emotions and reactions in an audience.
As a digital signage designer
therefore, you have to pay attention to how you use different colors in template
and themes and the meaning that your viewers will
derive from that. For instance, if you want to stimulate your audience, then
you cannot go with cooler colors. However, if you are going for a calming
effect, or want to communicate something serious, then you are spot on with
cool colors.
Color
for communication
Color plays an important role in the
general principles of design – drawing attention to parts, creating contrast,
triggering emotions etc. Much of color use in design really is about common
sense: you would not communicate news of a foreclosure or a building being shut
down in bright warm colors for instance.
When choosing what colors to use for
the best
corporate digital signage themes and templates,
you should remember that while the general deductions are true, not everyone
will associate the color you choose with the emotions you want. People will
interpret color based on their cultural upbringing, past experiences and
environment.
White for example, in the West is a
sign of purity, innocence and benevolence. In the East however, white is
prominent to funerals and is therefore a color of mourning. The science is not
exact, but with a little prior research of your target audience, you can nail
the color palette that will elicit the reaction you want.
Different colors and the message they send
Red
Red is the most powerful of the warm colors
and the most dynamic – it can communicate excitement and danger, anger as well
as passion. It is the color to use to draw attention to a certain element.
However, its application must be moderate; too much is overkill.
Orange
Orange is the color of vitality and
happiness. It also draws attention, without being as overpowering as red. It is
energetic, and yet friendly and inviting. Orange is great for call-to-action or
invitation to subscribe to a product.
Yellow
Yellow is your energetic happy-go-lucky warm
color. It is the color of sunshine, hope, optimism, cheeriness and laughter. It
is equally overwhelming; you should use this sparingly in design, to attract
attention, but in a comforting way.
Green
Green is the color of life, health, wealth
and a new beginning. It is easy on the eyes and creates a relaxing and
balancing effect. It is a great color to communicate security, growth and to
inspire possibility.
Blue
Blue elicits feelings of trust, security,
calmness and spiritual depth. It is a popular brand color with corporates,
especially in its darker shades. It communicates professionalism, though too
much may indicate aloofness. Lighter shades are more friendly and relaxed;
think Facebook and Twitter.
Purple
Purple is the color of royalty and wealth, it
can be used also to show creativity. Use purple to get a soothing effect and to
communicate lavishness and extravagance. In lighter shades, purple can also
communicate mystery and romance.
Neutrals
Finally, neutrals are great for background
colors. Brighter colors are better against gray, black or white backgrounds.
Tans and browns are useful if you are creating texture on your template.
Author Bio
John Lidel is renowned in the digital signage
industry. For more information or if you have queries on designing the best
corporate digital signage for your brand, click the link.
