Systematic Colour - Questions answered (OUGD404)

OUGD404
SYSTEMATIC COLOUR.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

QUESTION 1.

What is the maximum amount of colours you should use in one design?

Using a minimal amount of colour is always seen to better than using to many. It is suggested the 3 colours is the preferred amount of colour presented in a single design. However mid-tones of these selected colours can also be utilised.

60-10-30 RULE - Using primary, secondary and accent colour can be used in a relatively safe way by using this approach. Being restricted  by tho rule guides you into using 60% primary colour, 30% secondary colour and 10% accent colour to add an emphases to the precious colours used.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF SOFTWARE THAT CAN AID THE CHOICE OF A COLOUR SCHEME.

SCREENSHOT: https://kuler.adobe.com/#themes/rating?time=30

QUESTION 2.

Should colour be chosen in natural light or the most appropriate context it would be used in?

When in the process of design, colour choices should not be made while in natural light. Natural light is inconsistent and even though the work you produce would be viewed in natural light, you cannot predict what this natural will be like.

             
QUESTION 3.
Is it ever appropriate to use complimentary colours? 

Complimentary colours are the colours that are shown opposite on the colour wheel. If the original bright, bold colours are taken from the colour wheel and are placed next to their complimentary counterpart, they clash and tend to vibrate and distort. This is not a good thing to have when working in design as after a while it can effect an individuals vision and deter people from looking at it.However this does not mean that a complimentary colours hue or tone cannot be adjusted to suit the opposite colour. Taking the intensity from a colour can make it easier to work with. At the end of the day it does depend on the audience you are trying to reach and the ethos you are trying to present. Even if it does not always work when working in Graphic Design, there are other areas of Design were it can be more acceptable to use these colours.

QUESTION 4.
How can colour theory be applied to metallic colours? 
There are dedicated pantone swatches to aid designers when wanting to use and experiment with metallic colours.http://shop.colourconfidence.com/product.php/3137/pantone-plus-premium-metallics-coated?gclid=CIfRyNuhpLUCFeTMtAodBBoACw 


QUESTION 5.
Should a different colour theory be used for screen?

When colour is on screen the Additive Color System is used.
If you look very closely at a computer or TV screen you can see that the display is made up of small red, green and blue dots. When colour is added on top of each other on screen this causes the overlapping colours to go lighter, eventually turning white.

When colour is displayed on screen it is certainly worth keeping in mind that the light enhances colour more so than when the images are printed on paper. Because of this, as well as ensuring your design is based in the RGB colour mode, you need to be aware how the screen light can effect the colours used.

There are multiple programs and softwares that can aid with you when making decisions of the choice of colour on screen. Ultimately It depends on the audience you are designing for as well as the type of information and imagery you are wanting to display. 

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