Color Theory for Designers and Developers: Complete Foundation Guide
Understanding color theory is fundamental to creating effective, beautiful, and accessible digital experiences.
The Color Wheel and Basic Relationships
The color wheel is the foundation of color theory, organizing colors in a way that shows their relationships and helps predict which combinations will work harmoniously.
Practical Applications
Understanding color theory enables you to make informed decisions about color choices in your designs and development work.
- • Use complementary colors for high-impact call-to-action buttons
- • Apply analogous schemes for harmonious, calming interfaces
- • Leverage monochromatic palettes for sophisticated, minimal designs
- • Consider color temperature to convey mood and brand personality
- • Apply the 60-30-10 rule for balanced color distribution
- • Test color combinations for accessibility and contrast