When it comes to designing your application, color is one of the most important that can greatly affect and influence your user experience and engagement. Choosing the right color will help you to make a better user experience and feel the power of your design.

Color psychology is a study of how color can invoke human emotion, power, and behavior. Different colors also can invoke different emotions and moods.

Choosing the right color will depend on a number of factors, including the brand identity, goals, target audience, user emotions, and how the app will be.

So, here is some theory and color meaning that will help you understand the color and when to use it. In the content below you will read some color meanings, what app model is suited to when to use it, and the example of an app that uses each color.

Red

Red is a powerful vibrant color that often is associated with passion, love, and energy. Red color can evoke a range of emotions and create different moods, depending on how you’ve used to it.

Here are some key facts about this color:

1. Red is an attention-grabbing color. Red is one of the most eye-catching colors, which makes it an effective tool for drawing attention to important elements in your design. For example, you might use red to highlight a call-to-action button or to emphasize important text.

2. Red is associated with passion and energy. Red is often used to create a sense of excitement, energy, and passion. It is frequently used in branding and marketing for products and services related to love, romance, and adventure.

3. Red can also be associated with danger and warning. Red is commonly used for warning signs, such as stop signs and hazard symbols. When used in this context, it can create a sense of urgency and danger.

4. Red has cultural associations. In many cultures, red is associated with luck, prosperity, and celebration. For example, in China, red is a popular color for weddings and festivals.

5. Red can be overwhelming. Red is a powerful color, and too much of it can be overwhelming. When using red in your design, it’s important to balance it with other colors and use it sparingly to avoid creating a jarring or uncomfortable experience for your users.

Reference:

• Youtube

• Netflix

• Airbnb

• Coca Cola

• Tinder

• Youtube

• KFC

Orange

Orange is a warm and energetic color that is often associated with creativity, enthusiasm, and excitement. It can evoke a range of emotions and create different moods, depending on how it is used.

Here are some key facts and considerations to keep in mind when designing with orange:

1. Orange is a vibrant color. Orange is a bright and vibrant color that can help to create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm in your design. It is often used in branding and marketing for products and services related to creativity and innovation.

2. Orange is associated with warmth and positivity. Orange is a warm and inviting color that is often associated with positive emotions like happiness, enthusiasm, and optimism. It can create a welcoming and friendly environment in your design.

3. Orange can also be associated with caution. In some contexts, orange can be used to signal caution or warning. For example, construction sites and road work zones often use orange signs and cones to indicate that people should be careful.

4. Orange has cultural associations. In many cultures, orange is associated with spirituality, creativity, and good fortune. For example, in Hinduism, orange is a sacred color that represents purity and enlightenment.

5. Orange can be overwhelming. Like red, orange is a powerful color, and too much of it can be overwhelming. When using orange in your design, it’s important to balance it with other colors and use it sparingly to avoid creating a jarring or uncomfortable experience for your users.

Reference:

• Amazon

• Soundcloud

• Etsy

• Audible

• VLC

• Rockstar

Yellow

Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that is often associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity. It is one of the most attention-grabbing colors and can help to create a sense of warmth and vibrancy in your design.

Here are some key facts and considerations to keep in mind when designing with yellow:

1. Yellow is a happy and optimistic color. Yellow is often associated with positive emotions like happiness, optimism, and enthusiasm. It can create a sense of joy and playfulness in your design and is often used in branding and marketing for products and services related to fun and leisure.

2. Yellow is a high-visibility color. Yellow is one of the most visible colors, making it a popular choice for warning signs, traffic signals, and other safety-related applications. It can help to draw attention to important elements in your design and create a sense of urgency or importance.

3. Yellow can be overwhelming. Like red and orange, yellow is a powerful color that can be overwhelming if overused. When using yellow in your design, it’s important to balance it with other colors and use it sparingly to avoid creating a jarring or uncomfortable experience for your users.

4. Yellow has cultural associations. In many cultures, yellow is associated with happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. For example, in China, yellow is considered a lucky color and is often used in traditional celebrations.

5. Yellow can be difficult to read. Yellow can be difficult to read on some backgrounds and in certain lighting conditions, especially when used as a font color. It’s important to choose the right shade of yellow and use it strategically in your design to ensure that your text remains legible.

Reference:

• IKEA

• DHL

• Snapchat

• Best Buy

• Nikon

Green

Green is a versatile color that is often associated with nature, growth, and renewal. It is a calming and refreshing color that can create a sense of balance and harmony in your design.

Here are some key facts and considerations to keep in mind when designing with green:

1. Green is associated with nature. Green is often used in designs related to nature, sustainability, and environmentalism. It can create a sense of harmony and balance in your design and evoke a feeling of calm and relaxation.

2. Green is a versatile color. Green comes in a wide range of shades and can be used to create many different moods and emotions. Dark greens can create a sense of sophistication and luxury, while lighter greens can create a sense of playfulness and whimsy.

3. Green is associated with growth and renewal. Green is often associated with growth and renewal, making it a popular choice for brands and apps related to health and wellness, personal growth, and self-improvement.

4. Green can be used to create contrast. Green can create a sense of contrast and balance when paired with other colors. It can help to create a visual hierarchy in your design and draw attention to important elements.

5. Green is a calming color. Green is a calming and refreshing color that can create a sense of balance and harmony in your design. It can be a good choice for apps related to mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation.

Reference:

• Gojek

• Grab

• Starbuck

• Android

• Spotify

Blue

Blue is a color that is often associated with calmness, tranquility, and trustworthiness.

Here are some interesting key facts and considerations about the color blue:

1. Blue is often used in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics. This is because the color blue is calming and can help to reduce stress and anxiety in patients.

2. Blue can also be used to create a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness. This is why many corporate logos, such as IBM and Ford, use shades of blue in their branding.

3. Blue is a popular color choice for interior design, as it can create a sense of calm and relaxation in a space. However, it is important to consider the shade of blue used, as darker shades of blue can create a somber or depressing atmosphere.

4. Blue is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors to create different moods and emotions. For example, a light blue paired with white can create a feeling of purity and innocence, while a dark blue paired with black can create a sense of power and sophistication.

5. Blue can also be associated with sadness or depression, such as the phrase “feeling blue”. This is important to consider when using blue in art, design, or marketing.

6. Blue is the color of the ocean and the sky and can evoke a sense of wonder and awe. However, it is important to be aware of the cultural significance of blue in different regions and contexts, as the color can have different meanings in different cultures.

7. Blue light from electronic devices such as smartphones and computer screens can disrupt sleep patterns and cause eye strain. It is important to limit exposure to blue light before bedtime and to use protective eyewear if necessary.

Reference:

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Paypal

• Skype

• LinkedIn

Purple

Purple is a color that is often associated with royalty, luxury, and creativity.

Here are some interesting key facts and considerations about the color purple:

1. Purple is a color that is created by combining blue and red. The exact shade of purple can vary depending on the proportion of blue and red used.

2. In ancient times, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive and was reserved for the clothing of royalty and other high-ranking officials. This is why purple is often associated with luxury and power.

3. Purple is a popular color choice for branding and marketing in industries such as cosmetics, beauty, and fashion. This is because purple is seen as a creative and imaginative color, and can help to evoke feelings of sophistication and elegance.

4. Purple is often used in spiritual and mystical contexts, as it is associated with the crown chakra and the higher self. In Western cultures, purple is often associated with magic and the supernatural.

5. Purple is a versatile color that can be used to create a variety of moods and emotions. A light lavender can create a sense of calm and tranquility, while a deep plum can create a sense of luxury and opulence.

6. When using purple in interior design, it is important to consider the other colors used in the space. Purple can pair well with other jewel tones such as emerald green and ruby red but can clash with earth tones such as brown and beige.

7. In some cultures, such as Thailand and Brazil, purple is associated with mourning and death. It is important to be aware of the cultural significance of purple when using it in art, design, or marketing in these regions.

Reference:

• Yahoo

• Roku

• Apollo

• Cadbury

Pink

Pink is a color that is often associated with femininity, sweetness, and romance.

Here are some interesting facts about the color pink:

1. Pink is a relatively new color in human history and was not recognized as a distinct color until the 18th century. Before then, shades of pink were often considered to be lighter shades of red.

2. Pink is often used in marketing and advertising targeted toward women and girls. This is because pink is seen as a feminine color and can help to evoke feelings of sweetness and nurture.

3. Pink can have different meanings depending on the shade. A light pastel pink can create a sense of innocence and playfulness, while a hot pink can create a sense of boldness and excitement.

4. In some cultures, pink is associated with love and romance. Pink flowers, such as roses, are often given as gifts to express love and affection.

5. Pink is a popular color choice for branding in industries such as fashion, beauty, and food. This is because pink can help to create a sense of luxury and indulgence.

6. When using pink in interior design, it is important to consider the other colors used in the space. Pink can pair well with other pastels such as light blue and lavender but can clash with bold primary colors such as red and yellow.

7. Pink is often used to raise awareness for breast cancer and other causes related to women’s health. The pink ribbon has become a symbol of breast cancer awareness and research.

Reference:

• Barbie

• LG

• Donut King

Black

Black is a color that is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and mystery.

Here are some interesting facts about the color black:

1. Black is not technically a color, but rather the absence of light or color. When all colors are combined, they create white. When no colors are present, we see black.

2. Black has been a popular fashion choice for centuries. It is often associated with elegance and formality and is a popular choice for formal events such as weddings and black-tie affairs.

3. In many cultures, black is associated with mourning and grief. It is often worn at funerals and other somber events as a sign of respect and mourning.

4. Black is a popular color choice for branding and marketing in industries such as fashion, beauty, and luxury goods. This is because black is seen as a sophisticated and timeless color, and can help to evoke feelings of luxury and exclusivity.

5. When used in interior design, black can create a sense of drama and sophistication. However, it is important to use black in moderation, as too much black can create a sense of heaviness and depression.

6. In some cultures, such as China and Japan, black is associated with power and mystery. It is often used in traditional clothing such as the black kimono, which is worn by high-ranking officials.

7. Black is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of other colors. It can create a classic look when paired with white or gray, or a bold look when paired with bright colors such as red or yellow.

Reference:

• Adidas

• NIKE

• Uber

• Sony

• Apple

Conclusion

To pick the right color learn about the fact and how psychology work and evoke mood and behavior. Use the correct color theory including good combinations and testing. If you still get confused, learn from the big brand around the world. The last fact, your experience working with color affects your result.