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Color is important tool you can use to help you more effectively communicate information and messages, but you may find is difficult to choose the appropriate colors.

Luckily there are a number of website that can help you experiment with different color schemes. One free website I have found particularly helpful is Kuler.adobe.com. This website provides you with a number of predetermined color schemes as well allowing you to create your own based on established color rules.

If you don’t know very much about different color schemes, here is a quick overview of few classic color schemes to help you get started (thanks to color-wheel-pro.com).

Monochromatic Color Scheme

The monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single color. This scheme looks clean and elegant. Monochromatic colors go well together, producing a soothing effect. The monochromatic scheme is very easy on the eyes, especially with blue or green hues.

Analogous Color Scheme

The analogous color scheme uses colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. One color is used as a dominant color while others are used to enrich the scheme. The analogous scheme is similar to the monochromatic, but offers more nuances.

Complementary Color Scheme

The complementary color scheme consists of two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme looks best when you place a warm color against a cool color, for example, red versus green-blue. This scheme is intrinsically high-contrast.

Triadic Color Scheme

The triadic color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel. This scheme is popular among artists because it offers strong visual contrast while retaining harmony and color richness. The triadic scheme is not as contrasting as the complementary scheme, but it looks more balanced and harmonious.

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Add Color to Your Life

Colors

This week I have decided to focus my data and design tip on reviewing color basics. If you want to accent a particular item in your design, an easy way to do this is by using color. If there is no color on the page adding any color will immediately attract attention.

If it is a color design, use reds, oranges or yellows. These warm colors will stand out on the page to highlight key items, and will work particularly well with their complimentary color [red with green | orange with blue | yellow with purple]. Brighter versus muted colors can also work well to achieve this same objective.

Data & Design Tip: Determine the key pieces of information in your design you would like to emphasize. Then think about adding a little color to your life.

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