Overview
Do colors matter? Yes, colors matter. In digital design there are two types of color models that are used, RGB and CMYK.
Color Models
RGB is the Red, Green, Blue model. RGB is used for digital; for computers. 16,777,216 colors can be created using the RGB color model.
CYMK is the Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black color model. CMYK is used in ink toner for print. 16,000 colors can be created using the CMYK color model.
The color model that we care about most is the RGB color model because that is the color model that is used for websites, although it is important to understand the CMYK color model.
Understanding RGB
Colors, when used in code should be in hex format. Hex format is a 6-character format (0-9, A-F) preceded by the pound symbol. The first two characters represent the Red in RGB, the middle two characters represent the Green in RGB, and the last two characters represent the Blue in the RGB. For example, in review of the hex #38A093:
Note: hex is not case-sensitive – a and A are interpreted the same.
Web-Safe Conversion
If the characters in each position repeat, this represents a web-safe color. A web-safe color means that the color will not deviate based on the monitor that displays the color. The color will look the same across all monitors. Web-safe color were particularly important in the early years of desktop computers when monitors did not have the graphic ability to read complex hex codes. Modern monitors can now interpret and display non web safe colors without deviation. If you prefer to ensure that your colors display the same across all monitors, convert the color to a web-safe color by altering the colors manually. For example, using the color above: #33AA99 is a comparable web-safe color for the above detailed hex.
CMYK Conversion
If presented with a CMYK, which looks like this for the above hex CMYK(65, 0,8.13, 37.25), use a converter tool such as https://colordesigner.io/convert/cmyktorgb to convert the CMYK to hex. This will provide the 6-character hex equivalent.
Why does color matter?
Reasons that color matter can include aesthetics, brand recognition and view-ability (ADA compliance). Of course you want to use colors that are aesthetically pleasing. Because I “like” or “love” this color is usually the first go-to reason when a color is chosen. This reason is great, but two other important factors should also be considered in the choice of colors, and these factors may matter more than “liking/loving” a color.
- Brand Recognition. Colors have been studied and through various studies, general feelings are known to be associated with colors, this is known as color psychology. Color psychology is important for reasons of evoking a particular emotion when seen. Adjectives like trust, admiration and disgust are described when viewing certain colors. It could be important o choose colors that are in alignment with the emotion that you would like to evoke from your target audience.
- View-ability (ADA compliance). According to the Color Blind Guide 1 roughly 12 million Americans are color blind2. Being color blind does not mean that color cannot be seen. It generally means that a person who is color blind has difficulty distinguishing between two similar colors. To remedy this issue, colors need to be displayed with enough contrast between them so that a person who is color blind can distinguish between them. To know if a color is friendly to the color blind eye, use a tool to view how a color is potentially seen by a person with color blindness. This RGB Blind tool is a good tool to use https://rgblind.com/color-blind-color-picker3.
In conclusion, when choosing colors for your online presentation, yes choose colors that you like, but also consider if the colors evoke the desired feeling from your audience and in the spirit of inclusivity, can be viewed by people who are color blind.