Colour

When researching the use of colour in websites I was amazed at the impact it can have on the values and theme of a website. There is a vast amount of material on this subject on how it has an effect on psychological behaviour, cultural influence, and gender. Explained further below:-

1. Cultural associations - The colour of currency, traditions, celebrations, geography, etc. (For example, green is associated with heaven (Muslims) and luck (U.S. and Ireland)
2. Political and historical associations - The colour of flags, political parties, royalty, etc.
3. Religious and mythical associations - The colours associated with spiritual or magical beliefs.
4. Linguistic associations - Colour terminology within individual languages.
5. Contemporary usage and fads - Current color applications to objects, sports, and associations generated by modern conventions and trends. (For example, green is used world wide for traffic lights signifying "go.")

Baring each of these considerations in mind, some potential colours I may use in my website and their psychological influences are as follows:

1. Brown - Neutral, reliable, comfort, endurance, earthy.
2. White - Purity, clean, precision.
3. Orange - Fun, happiness
4. Silver - Intellect, futurism, elegance.
5. Green - Nature, health, renewal.

Further reading on this aspect of web design can be found below:

• http://www.colorcom.com/ui.html
• http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/