Improving the Learning Environment

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Using Color: Communicating with Color

Communicating With Color > Emphasizing Key Elements

Color is a wonderful element that will help set the tone for your instruction. Choose colors carefully and use them to send the messages you want to send. Always use size as well as color to distinguish headings because some learners may be colorblind or vision impaired.

Communicating With Color—Example

I am using a pastel blue and beige on this site because these colors are relaxing. I want people to watch this presentation with ease and without eye strain. I am using a dark blue for the font so there is enough contrast.

Often navy blue, burgundy, gray, and brown are considered more conservative. Yellows, golds, oranges and reds are warm and bright and often cheerful to look at. Greens and blues have been used to represent natural themes and have a refreshing feeling to them...like water and green fields. Golds and metalic colors are luxurious. Pastels create a softer, lighter feeling than heavier darker colors. Use a natural white or off-white to avoid eye glare...especially on computers.

To make something fade into the background, use a cool color with hints of blue or gray. To make something pop out, use a warm color. Warm colors project and cool colors recede.