What are the most effective color combinations for creating excitement and energy in your product designs?

1 The color wheel

The color wheel is a useful tool for understanding how colors relate to each other. It consists of the three primary colors (red, yellow, and blue), the three secondary colors (orange, green, and purple), and the six tertiary colors (red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple). With the color wheel, you can find harmonious color combinations by following some simple rules. For instance, complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel and create a strong contrast; however, they can be overwhelming if used too much. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel and create a smooth and soothing effect; yet, they can be dull if they lack variety or contrast. Lastly, triadic colors are evenly spaced around the color wheel and create a balanced and vibrant effect; yet, they can be chaotic if not well coordinated.

2 The color temperature

The color temperature is an important factor when it comes to the mood and energy of product designs. It refers to how warm or cool a color is, based on its association with natural phenomena like fire, sun, water, or ice. Colors with red, orange, or yellow hues are considered warm colors, while colors with blue, green, or purple hues are considered cool colors. Generally speaking, warm colors can evoke feelings of passion, excitement, optimism, and creativity while stimulating appetite and action. However, they can also be aggressive or intrusive if used too much or too brightly. On the other hand, cool colors can evoke feelings of calmness, relaxation, trust, and professionalism while reducing stress and fatigue. But they can also be cold or distant if used too much or too darkly.

4 The color saturation

The color saturation is another dimension that affects the emotion and energy of your product designs. It refers to how pure or intense a color is, based on the amount of gray added to it. To create products that are exciting and energetic, you should consider the saturation level of your colors. High-saturation colors, such as red, orange, or turquoise, can create a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and fun. However, if used too much or without balance, they can be distracting or overwhelming. Low-saturation colors like beige, lavender, or olive can convey sophistication and professionalism. But if used too much or without accent, they can be boring or unappealing. The color saturation can help you create a well-balanced product design that is both exciting and professional.

5 The color contrast

The color contrast is an essential factor when creating product designs that are exciting and energetic. It refers to how different or similar two or more colors are, based on their hue, value, and saturation. To create a striking and lively effect, you can use hue contrast, which is the difference in color type. For a clear and legible effect, you can use value contrast, which is the difference in color lightness. If you want to create a varied and interesting effect, then use saturation contrast, which is the difference in color intensity. However, be aware that too bright or too close in value colors can be harsh and jarring; too extreme or too low in saturation colors can be stark and rigid; and too diverse or too high in value colors can be confusing and inconsistent.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?