OUGD404 - colour theory research

Colours are arranged within the colour wheel - first created by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666.
It is based on red, yellow and blue otherwise known as the primary colours. All colours derive from these 3 basic ones.

Secondary colours come from a mix of these primary colours, orange (red and yellow), purple (red and blue) and green (yellow and blue).
Tertiary colours fall in between these and complete the colour wheel (below).

Colour Harmony 

Harmony in visual terms is something pleasing to the eye. In relation to colours, harmony would bring balance and stability to the viewer. However if the colours were too harmonious, or dull in other words, the viewer would be underwhelmed meaning the colour combinations would not work well and the design would fail.
On the other hand, if colours don't harmonise they will clash. This will put the viewer off and create a sense of chaos. Meaning people will not look at the design as they cannot make sense of it. You have to reach an equilibrium to avoid boring or chaotic colour combinations.


Analogous colours are any 3 colours next to each other on the colour wheel. (eg dark green, a medium toned green and a lighter green).
Complementary colours are colours facing each other on the colour wheel. Eg purple and yellow or orange and blue. These colours create a contrast and often a successful design.


Colours can appear vastly different in differing contexts. 

The red next to the black stands out more in the black background, but looks duller in the white background. It gets lost completely in the orange surroundings but looks vibrant against the blue. The above picture perfectly demonstrates the relationships between colours and how the context is vital in portraying a message and complimenting a design accurately.

The rectangle on the left, appears to have more of a reddish tinge against the blue tinged purple background, as opposed to the rectangle on the right which looks more blue against the red toned purple background. In fact the rectangles are the exact same colour. This is really interesting as it demonstrates the subjective way our eyes see colours.

Warm and cool colours

Warm colours are associated with daylight/sunset and cool colours with an overcast or grey day. Warm colours are generally red to yellow including browns, and are said to arouse the viewer, whereas cool colours are blue and green tones, which relax the viewer.
For example, coffee shops tend to favour warmer colours to create a 'cosy' atmosphere, where the visitor can feel comfortable and at home. An art gallery on the other hand will use cool colours to create a sense of calm.