Using clashing colours in web design is a no-go for most companies and businesses, as these colours can be visually overwhelming and distracting, leading to your potential customers and clients leaving your website. But in some circumstances, clashing colours can be more effective. So when can clashing colours be used in web design? Well, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester, we are Manchester’s leading web design experts. We provide, high quality, effective, web design solutions for local companies and businesses across Manchester, and the surrounding area, including Wigan and Southport. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about clashing colours in web design.
When can clashing colours be used in web design?
So, when can clashing colours be used on your website, if ever? Well, there are actually a number of situations where two clashing colours could be used effectively. These include:
- When two clashing colours are used as secondary and tertiary colours- choosing three colours for web design has long been popular. If your primary colour is something plain, like black or white, you might be able to use two bright, clashing colours together for the secondary and tertiary colours. This is because the secondary colour will stand out from the primary colour, and the tertiary colour will only be used very infrequently, preventing the overwhelming response that is typical when contrasting colours are used together, in the middle of the website. Instead, when used like this, the clashing colours can actually draw attention to key features and help them stand out.
- If this is part of your branding- making a statement and standing out from your competitors is important in business, in any industry. If you want to make a bold statement, you may have chosen colours that clash as part of your company branding. This means that your website should support this branding decision, and make sure that your company is one that can not be missed. However, it may still be necessary to limit this use of colour to the above the fold content, or too small visual features, to maintain a professional digital image.
When should clashing colours be avoided in web design?
In general, it is thought that clashing colours should be avoided at all costs as part of your web design, as this will drive away your potential customers and clients. But this isn’t the case, as outlined above, clashing colours can actually have the opposite effect, in some very specific circumstances. But clashing colours should be avoided in many situations, including:
- For websites with an older intended target audience- while clashing colours can be more suitable for younger adults and teens, older adults can find these colours overwhelming and off putting, and be more likely to leave your website.
- For businesses with a serious message- if your company is a serious, business to business facing company, or one that tackles solemn issues like life insurance or banking, clashing colours will be a bad choice for your company.
In general. clashing colours should be used only to fit one of the two criteria detailed above, for the best possible results.
For more information or advice, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design Manchester.