This post is just a heads up regarding a new resource for the use of color and contrast in design in general, and in user-interface design in particular.
Of the many important concerns for which visual designers need to develop a strong understanding, the use of color and contrast might just be one of the most important. The fundamental role of color (and contrast) in visual work is undeniable. Hence, it is often a course in the foundations studies for designers. Yet understanding the complex phenomena of color theory remains an elusive realm of knowledge.
Enter https://colorandcontrast.com.
From the technical aspects of color reproduction on screens and in print to the various disorders of color perception, the website Color & Contrast offers a rich resource for promoting understanding of, well, color and contrast…particularly within the realm of user-interface design. From the site:
A comprehensive guide for exploring and learning about the theory, science, and perception of color and contrast.
colorandcontrast.com
Have a look and spend some time with it. If you are a designer who has not benefitted from the focused study of Color Theory, (and I am not talking about the psychology of color…an enterprise rife with speculation) you will address a significant hole your design knowledge via this site. It provides a greater primer as well as the grounds for in-depth exploration.
BUT, there is an error in the site...
The site shows the subtractive primaries as Red, Blue, and Yellow, which contrary to what painters are taught, is incorrect. ( See this page: https://colorandcontrast.com/#/subtractive) These three colors are NOT primary in pigment…just ask your local printer. Instead, those primaries should be Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow. The site correctly shows the additive colors (Red, Blue, and Green…from which we get “RGB”) see: https://colorandcontrast.com/#/additive, and the secondaries of those three primaries are none other than “CMY” (the primaries of substrative color).
It is an easy error to make, and might even be defended by legions of mis-taught painters. None the less, if you take the time to mix these supposed pigment colors (R,B,Y) yourself, you will find it nearly impossible to get a neutral black. The neutral will tend toward red, red-violet. The problem is the starting presumption (that red, blue, and yellow are primary.) And note, if you start with CMY as primaries, the secondaries that result are RGB. Hmmm. quite a coincidence, no?
Anyhow, this oversight does not diminish any of the very rich materials, examples, and simulations present within the remainder of the site. So by all means, devour the good stuff therein!