When you look at something, do you notice the colors right away? You most likely do and may not even notice. That is because colors play a major role when it comes to altering people’s feelings and perceptions. Colors have been used to help people of all ages learn. As instructional designers, it is something that we should be using as a tool more often. You see it being done all the time with marketing agencies that use colors to trigger certain emotions with their target audiences. So, why isn't the field of eLearning embracing the world of colors, as well?
When we see an object, our eyes automatically register the colors of the object with our brain. Specifically, the hypothalamus, which then signals the pituitary and thyroid glands. It is here that these glands secrete chemicals that directly affect our behavior. And our behavior is not affected just a little. Colors influence our behavior so much that studies suggest 60%-90% of our interactions with objects are determined by color alone. The role of color psychology is far more important than most give credit to.
Making Connections with Colors
There is no set of hard-core rules when it comes to colors forcing certain emotions to erupt. In many cases, depending on one's own personal preferences, history, and context colors, may result in different feelings for different people. However, there are some common associations between colors and feelings that are evoked as a result. Check out the list below to see what colors spring about various emotions.
Black -
Black tends to be associated with wealth, luxury, sophistication, and a sense of high-end class. It is considered to be timeless. Instructional designers must pay attention to find the correct tone of black since it is so commonly used within text.
White -
White is a great color to use when accenting other colors. The color white represents a sense of openness, freedom, and beauty. It complements the color black very well and is also equally as common in digital spaces.
Blue -
Blue is the color of loyalty, trust, and inspires a feeling of peace, stability, and organization. It is often used at corporate events. Oddly enough, blue should never be used when promoting food because it has been known to curb hunger.
Yellow -
The color yellow brings about happiness and joy. Playful products such as toys, candy, and games may have yellow intertwined in their marketing. Yellow is also known to cause alertness and that is why you see yellow associated with traffic lights.
Green -
When you see green, most people think of nature. That natural feeling is correct, and that is why many companies will use green when marketing for conservation and the environment. However, the color green is also connected to creativity, peace, safety, and a call to action.
Orange -
Orange can be both a very inviting and overwhelming color. It sets a feeling of urgency in some cases while in others it sets a more welcoming tone. Many companies will make their shopping carts orange just for these reasons. With digital lessons, many buttons will be orange because it helps students to want to click them.
How can instructional designers use color psychology?
With all of these things in mind, how can we use colors in instructional design and eLearning? Below is a list of ideas on how colors can be used to help learners when designing a curriculum.
Enhance learning and comprehension (as opposed to black and white)
Reduce confusion (blue)
Help reduce boredom and spark alertness (red)
Help stimulate mental activity and increase fun (yellow)
Help soothe eyes (green)
Set the mood (warm colors are stimulating, while cool colors are calming)
Improve length of attention (warm colors)
Target attention towards certain content (bright colors)
Improve readability (contrasting colors)
Improve recall and long term memory (colored images)
If used properly, colors can be combined in numerous ways to help affect learners and their behavior. Typically, you do not want to use more than three tones of color if you are just starting out in the world of color psychology. In addition, you want to use your colors in a 60:30:10 ratio and not all three colors in equal amounts. Just remember the power of color and be sure to use it wisely and correctly when designing your next course.
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