Design Strand: Outcome 2.2 — Color Theory for Visual Creation

Accessibility

The design principle ensuring that people with varying abilities can perceive and use what is designed.

W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

A widely used standard for evaluating readable contrast and ensuring designs are accessible to users.

Contrast ratio

A measure comparing the relative luminance of two colors to determine readability.

Luminance contrast

The difference in lightness between the foreground and background colors.

Redundancy of cues

The principle that color should not be the only way information is communicated in a design.

Visibility

The ability to detect the presence of an element.

Readability

The capability to comfortably interpret content, such as letters and numbers.

Error states

Visual indicators, like color or icons, that communicate a problem within a design.

Color-vision deficiency

A condition that makes it difficult for some individuals to distinguish certain colors.

Hue

The family name of a color, such as red or blue, distinguished by its wavelength.

Value (lightness)

The lightness or darkness of a color, influencing readability and perception.

Saturation

The purity or vividness of a color, affecting its visual impact.

Tint

A hue mixed with white, resulting in a lighter version of the original color.

Shade

A hue mixed with black, resulting in a darker version of the original color.

RGB (Red, Green, Blue)

An additive color model used for screens, where colors are created by mixing light.

CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)

A subtractive color model used in color printing, where colors are created by mixing inks.

Pantone

A standardized color matching system used to ensure consistent color reproduction.

CIE Lab*

A color space that corresponds numerical differences with human-perceived differences.

Color management

The workflow and practices used to ensure consistent color reproduction across different media.

Monochromatic scheme

A color scheme using one hue with variations in tint, shade, and saturation.

Analogous scheme

A color scheme using neighboring hues on the color wheel for harmony.

Complementary scheme

A color scheme using opposite hues to create strong contrast.

Triadic scheme

A color scheme using three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel.

Hierarchy

The visual organization of elements in a design to guide the viewer's attention.

Psychology of color

The study of how colors affect emotions and perceptions in design.

Contrast thresholds

Standards set by WCAG specifying minimum luminance contrast ratios for text and UI elements.

Soft proofing

A method of previewing how a design will appear when printed using digital simulation.