Planning for Optimal Usability

User-centered design collects user input from the beginning and uses the knowledge gained from this ongoing interaction to tailor the product to the stated needs and preferences of the user. The goal is to make it easy for the client to use the program.

One way to improve usability is through the strategic use of color. Color affects mood, attitude and enthusiasm for the product

Visual fatigue will occur when a background is not light, with white being the standard preferred background color. Dark contrasting fonts will show up and make reading much easier than lighter text that fades into the background. Once you’ve settled on your brand palette, stick with it. The colors selected should have something to do with the project, and they should have a modern feel to them.

Red: Passion and Romance, but also Anger and DangerOrange: Seasonal, Happiness, ChangeYellow: Brightness, Sunlight, OptimismBlue: Reliability, TrustGreen: Nature, GrowthPurple: Royalty, LuxuryGrey: Serenity, TraditionBrown: Earth, SolidityWhite: Purity, Freshness

Here are a few common color associations that will help determine the best direction for

your color choices:

Within these colors, variations are limitless. Colors can also be combined and mixed, shaded, and otherwise altered to match any surroundings or background selected for inclusion.

“Users who suffer from any color deficiencies struggle to navigate their way through our color-drenched world… Don’t rely on color alone to deliver your messages online. Instead, combine color with other design fundamentals such as typography, shapes, grids, and spaces and allocate more weight to important elements. “

Tammy Guy

Considering all of your users’ needs will drastically increase

usability and ensure the continued use of your product by those it is

intended for.